An extreme heat weather warning has been issued by the Met Office as temperatures are set to soar to a record-breaking 38C next week.
The amber warnings cover parts of England and Wales over four days next week, with the first for Monday and Tuesday covering central and southern England including the Midlands and parts of Wales.
The hot spell could lead to delays on the roads and railways, and emergency services are bracing to help those vulnerable to extreme heat.
The Met Office has said that there is “growing confidence” that this week may break the record for the hottest June temperature of 35.6C, which was last set in 1976 in Southampton.
The forecaster estimates that there is a 25 per cent chance that it could get as hot as 40C. Overnight temperatures will also be very high, with tropical nights predicted – where the temperature doesn’t drop below 20C.
Extreme heat on Monday and Tuesday
Very high temperatures and high humidity are expected on Monday and especially Tuesday, reaching the low to mid-30s on Monday and then into the mid-30s on Tuesday.
The amber heat alert in is place for the East Midlands, East of England, London and the South East, the South West, Wales and the West Midlands.
The UK Health Security Agency has warned that this will lead to a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions. There will be increased demand on all health and social care services, and heat will affect people’s ability to go to work.
Sunny Wednesday with some showers predicted on Thursday
A second amber warning has now been issued for Wednesday and Thursday, covering similar areas as well as parts of northwest England including Greater Manchester, Yorkshire and Cheshire and North Wales.
The Met Office predicts that it will be hot in southern and central parts of England and Wales, with strong sunshine at times but becoming increasingly cloudy by Thursday with showers.
It will be very warm in northern England also. By Friday there could be periods of rain and showers, especially in the West, and there could be some thundery outbreaks at times, the forecaster said.
It comes as Europe has seen sweltering temperatures across the continent where temperatures up to 44C had been forecast.
The amber extreme heat warning issued by the Met Office on Sunday was expanded to last from Monday until Thursday.
Adverse health effects are “likely” in the wider population including sunburn or heat exhaustion (dehydration, nausea, fatigue) and other heat related illnesses, the Met Office warned, adding that “changes in working practices [are] required”.
“Very intense humidity” is expected. The Met Office has also warned of a possible increase in water safety incidents due to more people being likely to visit coastal areas, lakes and rivers.
There is also 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, it added.
Delays to road, rail and air travel are also possible, with potential for welfare issues for those who experience prolonged delays.
People in the alert area are advised to drink plenty of fluids and to keep out of the sun, and avoid exercising between 11am and 3pm, the Met Office said.
Separate amber heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) which now cover most of England from Monday morning until Friday night. A UKHSA yellow heat alert is also in place for north-east England during the same period.
