UK heatwave mapped: Where is going to be hottest this week as temperatures set to hit 38C
An extremely hot weather warning has been issued by the Met Office as temperatures are expected to rise to a record-breaking 38C this week.
Amber warnings cover parts of England and Wales for four days this week; The first covers central and southern England, including parts of the Midlands and Wales, on Monday and Tuesday.
Hot weather can cause delays on roads and railways and emergency services are preparing to help those vulnerable to extreme heat.
The Met Office said there was “increasing confidence” that this week could break the record for the hottest June temperature of 35.6 degrees, last set in Southampton in 1976.
The forecaster predicts there is a 25 per cent chance of it warming to 40C. Night temperatures will also be very high and it is predicted that the temperature will not fall below 20C on tropical nights.
Extremely hot on Mondays and Tuesdays
Very high temperatures and high humidity are expected on Monday and especially on Tuesday; Lows are expected to reach the mid-30s on Monday and then the mid-30s on Tuesday.
The amber temperature alert applies to the East Midlands, East of England, London and South East, South West, Wales and West Midlands.
The UK Health Safety Agency warned this would lead to an increase in deaths, particularly in those aged 65 and over or with existing health conditions. Demand for all health and social care services will increase and heat will affect people’s ability to go to work.
Sunny Wednesday and light showers expected on Thursday
A second yellow warning has been issued for Wednesday and Thursday, covering similar areas as well as parts of north-west England, including Greater Manchester, Yorkshire and Cheshire, and North Wales.
The Met Office predicts that the weather in south and central England and Wales will be warm, with some strong sunshine at times, but increasingly cloudy and showery by Thursday.
It will also be very hot in northern England. The forecaster said there may be rain and showers until Friday, especially in the West, and occasional thunderstorms may occur.
This comes as Europe is seeing sweltering temperatures across the continent, with temperatures of up to 44°C predicted.
The yellow extreme heat warning issued by the Met Office on Sunday has been extended from Monday to Thursday.
The Met Office warned that adverse health effects were “likely” in the wider population, including sunburn or heat exhaustion (dehydration, nausea, fatigue) and other heat-related illnesses, adding: “changes to working practices.” [are] necessary”.
“Very intense humidity” is expected. The Met Office has also warned of a possible increase in water safety incidents as more people visit coastal areas, lakes and rivers.
It was also stated that the possibility of failure of some heat-sensitive systems and equipment has increased, which may cause power outages and loss of other services in some homes and workplaces.
Delays to road, rail and air travel are also possible and there may be welfare issues for those experiencing long delays.
The Met Office said people in the warning area were advised to drink plenty of fluids, stay out of the sun and avoid exercise between 11am and 3pm.
Separate amber heat health warnings have been issued by the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA), currently covering most of England from Monday morning until Friday night. There is also a UKHSA yellow heat alert in the north-east of England during the same period.
