Met Office forecast for Leicester and if there will be a heatwave
Download Festival will take place in Donington Park, Leicester this weekend, with revellers set to arrive from Thursday.
The weather has been relatively cold and rainy across the UK this spring when compared to last year’s soaring temperatures. However, forecasters are predicting that it will get hotter from this week, with a heat alert issued for parts of the country.
Here’s everything you need to know about the weather in Leicester this weekend…
What is the weather forecast?
The Met Office has issued a yellow heat alert for areas of the UK, including the East Midlands. This means that those in Leicester should make an effort to stay safe in the hot weather.
Thursday
The Met Office expect it to be largely cloudy initially, before prolonged periods of sunshine in the west during the afternoon. The weather should be breezy over hills with a maximum temperature 19 °C.
Friday to Sunday
Initial forecasts for festival-goers predict cloud slowly retreating towards the coast on Friday.
It should be dry, largely sunny and warm on Saturday. However, there is a chance of showers overnight and through Sunday, with the potential for heavy rain and thunder.
What is a yellow heat warning?
The UKHSA said the yellow heat warning could lead to an impact on health services – especially from those aged over 65 and people with pre-existing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: “In the coming days we are likely to experience our first sustained period of hot weather of the year so far, so it’s important that everyone ensures they keep hydrated and cool while enjoying the sun.
“Forecasted temperatures this week will primarily impact those over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions such as cardiovascular diseases.”
“If you have friends, family or neighbours who you know are more vulnerable it is important to check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice.
Dr Sousa issued some advice for dealing with the weather, including for people to check in on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell, knowing the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and keeping out of the sun between 11am and 3pm.”
Will there be a UK heatwave this weekend?
While temperatures are likely to get hot, they may fall a day short of meeting the official heatwave criteria, according to the Met Office.
Mr Partridge said: “It will be very warm this weekend, we are certainly getting some warmer air, and there is potential on Saturday we could see temperatures in the high 20s, possibly the odd one or two places could tip to 30°C on Saturday itself but it’s quite short lived.”
For an official heatwave to be declared there must be three days of 25-28°C temperatures in most parts of the UK and three days of 28°C and over in London and parts of the South East.
Saturday and Sunday would see the hottest temperatures across the country before cooling on Monday, Mr Partridge said.
He added: “In terms of a heatwave there is a possibility, but at the moment there is quite a narrow opportunity for getting it.”
There will be an increased chance of some thundery showers in parts of Devon and Cornwall, and the risk of these thundery outbreaks will spread further north and east throughout the weekend, with the possibility of hail and gusty winds.