Temperatures could reach 34C in parts of the UK on Wednesday as the fourth heatwave of the summer continues, but thunderstorms are also forecast, according to the Met Office.
An amber heat health alert remains in place for the West Midlands, East Midlands, South East, London, and East of England until 6pm on Wednesday. A yellow thunderstorm warning has been issued for most of Scotland and Northern Ireland from midnight until 10pm on Thursday.
Tuesday saw temperatures peak at 33.4C in Benson, Oxfordshire, Ross-on-Wye in Herefordshire, and Northolt in west London. The Met Office predicts Wednesday could see highs of 34C in parts of England, with Thursday cooler but still warm, and a return to very hot weather in the south and South East by Friday.
Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said the heatwave is likely to last the rest of the week, with warm conditions expected to persist into September. However, he noted that beyond this week, it should be a bit cooler.
Chief meteorologist Dan Suri warned of thunderstorms arriving on Wednesday evening across northern areas, with potential for wet weather. Thursday could see thundery rain in the north again, while Friday and the weekend may bring showers or thunderstorms to the southwest.
The UK Health Security Agency has urged precautions, particularly for vulnerable groups, as temperatures rise. Meanwhile, officials warn of nationally significant water shortfalls despite July rain, with five areas of England remaining in drought.
