The Met Office has expanded its extreme heat warning for parts of the UK, predicting record-breaking highs of 38C (100.4F) this week. The forecaster said there was a 25% chance of temperatures exceeding 40C, which would surpass the current June record of 35.6C set in 1976.
Health alerts are in place as very high humidity adds to the danger of heat stress for the most vulnerable. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow and amber heat health alerts, warning that health and social care services must be prepared.
Overnight temperatures will also be very high, with widespread tropical nights—where the temperature does not drop below 20C—across southern England and urban areas. The Met Office said the combination of heat and humidity would be oppressive and bring impacts across society, from public health and infrastructure to power and water supplies.
The peak of the heatwave is forecast for Wednesday and Thursday, when temperatures are expected to climb to 38C, with the alert extending to parts of Greater Manchester, Yorkshire and Cheshire. By Friday, conditions will be less hot, with highs of 33C forecast across eastern areas.
People in the alert area are advised to drink plenty of fluids, keep out of the sun and avoid exercising between 11am and 3pm. The hot, humid and still weather conditions are also expected to bring a surge in mosquito numbers, particularly in the south of England away from coastal areas.
Age UK charity director Caroline Abrahams said: 'The heatwave forecast for the coming week in some parts of the country is set to be unprecedented in its intensity, so older people really do need to take care, especially if they have serious health conditions.'
