Tomorrow is set to be the hottest day so far this year as temperatures reach 38C, but rain and thunderstorms could follow in the coming days.
Amber warning for extreme heat
An amber warning for extreme heat will be in place across 37 areas in England for 15 hours tomorrow, coming into force at 9am. The whole population could experience adverse health effects due to the scorching temperatures.
The areas affected by the Met Office's extreme heat warning are in the East Midlands, East of England, London and South East England, the West Midlands, and Yorkshire and the Humber.
People have been warned of travel disruption across most means of transport but also of power cuts and a possible increase in water related incidents. The Met Office said: "Following a warm night, a spell of very hot weather will affect England on Thursday.
"The highest temperatures will be in parts of the east, southeast and the Midlands, where 37 or even 38 Celsius could be reached. This may lead to impacts on transport, infrastructure and health."
The hottest day so far this year came on June 26 when 37.7C was recorded in Lingwood, Norfolk.
Thunderstorms could follow
But following the above-average temperatures, the south of England could soon be hit by thunderstorms, the national weather agency has revealed.
In its forecast for August 16 to August 25, the Met Office said some rain is forecast in places, "perhaps heavy at times" next week, with temperatures "likely near normal or slightly above".
It went on: "Later in the period, high pressure will probably have more of an influence with drier conditions developing for many. Some rain is still possible at times, particularly in the north, together with a risk of thunderstorms in the south. Temperatures will likely be above normal."
Drought and health alerts
This comes following a summer of little to no precipitation and multiple heatwaves, with temperatures usually remaining in the high 20s or low 30s across most of England throughout the season. Almost three quarters of England are currently in drought.
The areas affected are East Anglia, Hertfordshire, London, Thames Valley, Devon and Cornwall, Wessex, the Midlands, Kent and East Sussex, and Solent and the South Downs. The whole of Wales is also in drought.
All of England apart from the North East is currently under an amber heat health alert issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The warning will remain in place until Friday at 9pm and means that "significant impacts are likely across health and social care services due to the high temperatures". The North East is covered by a yellow heat health alert.
