Overview

• The third heatwave of the season is under way in North East England, with Hexham reaching 28°C on Friday and forecasts of up to 30°C over the weekend.
• Yellow heat-health alerts from the UK Health Security Agency cover the region through July 15, and southern England remains under amber warnings for increased health service demand.
• Met Office chief meteorologist Jason Kelly says an Atlantic high-pressure system is driving a longer-lived hot spell that extends further north and west than earlier this summer.
• Minimal breeze and high UV levels have prompted advice from Met Office meteorologist Liam Eslick to use sun cream, stay hydrated and manage elevated pollen exposure.
• Temperatures should begin to ease early next week, with showery rain spreading northeast from Monday to bring relief from sustained heat.