The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has upgraded its heat health alert to amber for London and most of southern England, with temperatures expected to climb above 30C again this week.
The amber alert, the second-highest level used by the agency, is in force from 9am on Monday, August 3, until 9am on Wednesday, August 5.
Temperatures to peak on Monday
After temperatures exceeded 30C on Sunday, Monday is expected to bring around 33C in parts of the region, according to BBC Weather. The peak is forecast to fall to 28C on Tuesday, with temperatures staying in the mid to late twenties for the rest of the week.
The UKHSA said: "Significant impacts are likely across health and social care services due to the high temperatures, including a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions. There may also be impacts on younger age groups, likely increased demand on all health and social care services. Internal temperatures in care settings, hospitals and care homes, may exceed the recommended threshold for clinical risk assessment."
The agency also warned that the heat could affect the ability of the workforce to deliver core services.
Hot and humid air moves in
In the southeast of England, Sunday afternoon's reading above 30C marked the 33rd time this year that the threshold had been reached. Warmer conditions are expected to build into the new working week, with low pressure sitting to the west of the UK and a cold front drawing in hot and very humid air.
Many parts of England and Wales are expected to see plenty of sunshine, with temperatures rising rapidly in the strong August sunshine and turning increasingly humid and very hot, particularly in the southeast, where temperatures may approach the mid-thirties.
Cooler air expected midweek
The heat and humidity are not expected to last long. By Wednesday and Thursday, much fresher air from the Atlantic is set to move in, bringing temperatures back to around average for the time of year.
