Health officials have warned that vulnerable people are at risk next week as the UK plunges into its second heatwave in weeks.
Temperatures are expected to reach the high 20s across much of England and Wales over the next few days, with a chance of reaching 30 degrees on Tuesday and Wednesday in parts of the south-east.
It will be cooler in Scotland, but temperatures should rise into the mid-20s as the new week begins. Northern Ireland will see similar temperatures after notching its hottest day of the year so far on Thursday at 23.5C.
The UK’s Health Security Agency and the Met Office have issued level 2 health warnings covering London, South East England and East Anglia as the heatwave hits next week.
The warnings will be in effect from 9am on Monday until 9am on Friday.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: “We want everyone to enjoy the hot weather when it comes, but also to check our vulnerable families, friends and neighbors to make sure that they are prepared for the warm conditions ahead.”
The UK last experienced a heatwave three weeks ago
(PA)
Dr Sousa suggested measures to ‘beat the heat’, such as covering windows exposed to direct sunlight and making sure fridges, freezers and fans are working properly.
Britain last experienced a heatwave three weeks ago, reaching a peak of 32.4C on June 17 for the hottest day of the year so far.
David Oliver, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said next week’s heatwave would be longer than last week.
He said: “We are at the start of warm weather for much of England and Wales which could last for most of next week.
A heat wave is expected next week
(PA)
“In the short term, many can expect temperatures in the mid to high 20C over the weekend and then into the low 30C early next week.” Much of next week will remain unseasonably warm as well as dry and sunny.”
The Met Office defines a heat wave as when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days with maximum daily temperatures that meet or exceed heat wave temperature thresholds, which vary by country. The threshold in London is 28C, in Northumberland it is 25C.
Over the weekend, before the heat wave hits, most areas are expected to be dry with warm sunshine and high temperatures. Meanwhile, there may be some cloud and light rain in the northwest.
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