UK households are being urged to prepare for another spell of extreme heat this week, with temperatures set to climb day by day before peaking on Thursday. The latest hot weather is expected to bring the fifth widespread heatwave of the summer, with forecasters warning that parts of England could see temperatures soar to 37C or even 38C.
Heat to build through the week
The heat will begin building through the middle of the week. Wednesday is expected to bring highs well into the 30s across many parts of England, with temperatures of between 32C and 34C forecast in several areas. Thursday is then expected to be the hottest day of the week.
The Met Office has issued a 14-hour amber extreme heat warning covering 28 local authority areas across parts of the East Midlands, East of England, London and the South East, the West Midlands, and Yorkshire and the Humber from 9am until 11.59pm on Thursday.
Six items to keep close
Forecasters warned the hottest conditions are likely across eastern England, the South East and the Midlands, where temperatures could reach 37C or 38C. The Met Office said the heat could have a wide range of impacts, particularly for older people, those with existing health conditions and other vulnerable groups.
It also warned that heat-sensitive equipment could fail, leading to possible power cuts and disruption to other services affecting homes and businesses. Because of that risk, households are being advised to make sure they have six key items ready before temperatures peak. The Met Office recommends keeping torches, spare batteries, a mobile phone power pack, drinking water, sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat close to hand in case they are needed.
The forecaster said: "People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It's easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items."
Staying safe in the heat
It also urged people to take steps to stay safe in the heat. The Met Office said: "Keep yourself safe by following these simple steps to reduce the likelihood of the heat making you feel unwell; drink plenty of fluids, keep out of the sun and avoid any exercise between 11am-3pm when the sun is strongest and close curtains in rooms that face the sun.
"If you are going out take water with you, stay in the shade, wear sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat."
People travelling are also being advised to check road conditions and public transport before setting off, as delays to road, rail and air services are possible. Anyone using buses or trains should carry water, consider taking a small battery-powered fan and get off at the next stop if they begin to feel unwell. The Met Office also urged people to check on elderly neighbours, relatives and anyone who may be more vulnerable during the hot weather.
Regions under the amber warning
Full list of regions affected by the amber extreme heat warning: East Midlands: Derby, Derbyshire, Leicester, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire and Rutland. East of England: Bedford, Cambridgeshire, Central Bedfordshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Luton, Norfolk, Peterborough, Suffolk and Thurrock. London and South East: Bracknell Forest, Buckinghamshire, Greater London, Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire, Reading, Slough, Surrey, West Berkshire, Windsor and Maidenhead, and Wokingham. West Midlands: Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Warwickshire, West Midlands, and Worcestershire. Yorkshire and the Humber: North Lincolnshire and South Yorkshire.
