WEATHER patterns could be why Dorset is enjoying a heatwave – as the county endures an amber weather warning for 'extreme heat'.

Dorset and areas across the country have experienced temperatures in the high 20s in recent days, with the warm weather continuing throughout this week.

As a result, the Met Office has issued its first ever amber weather warning for extreme heat, which covers the South West, between 4pm on Monday (July 19) until 11.59pm on Thursday (July 22).

The weather forecasters warn of 'high temperatures both by day and night will continue this week leading to public health impacts'.

During this heatwave, Met Office warns that those vulnerable to extreme heat are likely to experience 'adverse health effects' while people are likely to experience sunburn or heat exhaustion as a result of the warm temperatures.

Dorset Echo: The Met Office has issued its first ever amber weather warning for extreme heat, which covers the South West, between 4pm on Monday (July 19) until 11.59pm on Thursday (July 22).The Met Office has issued its first ever amber weather warning for extreme heat, which covers the South West, between 4pm on Monday (July 19) until 11.59pm on Thursday (July 22).

Due to people being more likely to visit coastal areas, lakes and rivers, which will lead to an increased risk of water safety incidents and people are being advised to stay safe and keep hydrated.

As Dorset endures humid weather conditions and sleepless nights, the Met Office says that this heatwave won’t last for too long and likely end this week.

Stephen Dixon, a spokesman for Met Office, explained that the higher than expected warm temperatures could be down to ‘weather pattern which has squeezed warmer conditions to the west of the UK’.

He said: “The average maximum temperature in July for Dorset is 21C, so the recent warm weather has been eclipsing this value on a regular basis.

“The current weather pattern has squeezed warmer conditions to the west of the UK, whereas the southeast normally gets the most of the heat.

“This has meant that places like Dorset, the southwest, Wales and Northern Ireland have seen temperatures well beyond what the average would normally be for the time of year.

“The amber extreme heat warning is in force for Dorset’s area until Thursday night, with temperatures likely to continue to be regularly in the high 20s and low 30s.

“This, coupled with stubbornly high night-time temperatures, will mean things will be fairly uncomfortable for most in the coming days, with potential health impacts.”

Mr Dixon noted that the temperatures should ‘slightly’ fall towards the weekend with chances of rain showers and even thunderstorms.

An early Met Office forecast shows some rain showers are predicted on Saturday (July 24) with some thunderstorms around Sunday lunchtime (July 25) across Dorset including Weymouth, Bridport, Blandford Forum, Gillingham, and Bournemouth. 

Dorset Echo: Hive Beach, Burton BradstockHive Beach, Burton Bradstock

He added: “Temperatures are expected to dip slightly heading into the weekend and some more unsettled conditions are expected to arrive in the southwest from late on Friday and into Saturday, bringing some more persistent rain.

“Looking longer term, although it’s more uncertain, there’s a chance of some more settled conditions returning in August although there’s a continued risk of some showers and longer periods of rain.

“It’s too far ahead to look at the possibility of other official heatwaves in the forecast.”

What to expect during an amber weather warning

  • Adverse health effects are likely to be experienced by those vulnerable to extreme heat
  • The wider population are likely to experience some adverse health effects including sunburn or heat exhaustion (dehydration, nausea, fatigue) and other heat-related illnesses
  • More people are likely to visit coastal areas, lakes and rivers leading to an increased risk of water safety incidents
  • Some changes in working practices and daily routines likely to be required
  • An increased chance that some heat-sensitive systems and equipment may fail, leading to power cuts and the loss of other services to some homes and businesses
  • Some delays to road, rail and air travel are possible, with potential for welfare issues for those who experience prolonged delays