The UK continues to experience heatwave conditions, with thunderstorms expected in places following an unprecedented weekend of high temperatures.
The record for the highest minimum temperature in May was broken for a third consecutive day on Tuesday.
The country also recorded its provisional all-time hottest meteorological spring temperature when Kew Gardens in south-west London hit 35C, beating the previous high set on Monday.
A yellow weather warning is also in place across parts of England on Tuesday evening as thunderstorms are expected to follow the record-breaking heatwave.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms covering parts of the south west, the midlands, the north west of England, and Yorkshire and the Humber. The warning came into force at 3pm and is in place until 10pm on Tuesday.
Forecasters said there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services in areas where storms occur.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Andy Page said: “The exceptional late-spring heat is set to continue for much of this week.
“Last night provisionally recorded the warmest May night on record, and we’re likely to see further very warm nights in the south over the coming days. There is a chance a few places will experience a ‘tropical night’ in the south of England and in Wales tonight, which is where temperatures don’t fall below 20°C.
“While many places will stay dry and sunny, the heat and humidity mean that a few isolated thunderstorms have developed with more possibly developing later today, particularly across parts of England. Looking further ahead, the focus for the highest temperatures will shift westwards on Wednesday, with northern areas feeling more of the warmth on Thursday.
“We’ll then see a gradual change later in the week, with temperatures easing slightly, though still above average, before a more marked change to near-normal temperatures by Sunday and an increased chance of showers and some longer spells of rain.”
A heatwave was officially declared in eight locations in southeast England, which met the threshold of 27C for three consecutive days of hot weather.
Amber heat health alerts have been issued for the east Midlands, west Midlands, eastern England, London, and the South East.
Officials warned that the hot weather could cause significant impacts across health and social care services.
How long is the heatwave forecast to last?
The heat is set to continue through the week, the meteorological authority says, with highs of 25C forecast for Wednesday, 29C on Thursday, 25C on Friday and 25C on Saturday.
Here’s what the Met Office has forecast over the coming days:
Wednesday
Dry for most with sunny spells. Cloudier in the northeast with bright spells developing. Perhaps the odd shower in the west. Very warm in the southwest, but feeling fresher elsewhere.
Thursday to Saturday
Staying hot across parts of the south through the next few days. A risk of a few thundery showers at times, but largely dry for many.
