Millions of UK households have been urged to close their doors and windows on Sunday as the Met Office forecasts another heatwave - the fifth in the UK already this year - baking the country over the coming days.
Health alerts issued
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued 84-hour yellow heat health alerts covering seven UK regions, which started at 9am this morning (August 8) and run until 9pm on Tuesday (August 11).
The Met Office has forecast temperatures soaring over the coming days, starting in the low 30s Celsius in southern and south-eastern England on Sunday and possibly jumping to highs of 36C on Thursday in parts of East Anglia and south-east England.
Advice to keep cool
The national weather forecaster has issued guidance on how to keep cool in hot weather. This includes: "Close curtains in rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler. Counter intuitively, closing doors and windows in the heat of the day can keep it cooler inside."
Other tips are to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm when the UV rays are strongest, and to drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol.
The Met Office also advises to never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals. People who have to go out in the heat are also urged to walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
Forecast details
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Mike Silverstone said: "Temperatures will climb through the weekend and, more significantly, through much of next week.
"After a brief dip on Monday, high pressure will move across the UK before settling to the east, allowing a southerly flow to develop.
"A fairly widespread heatwave is likely across large parts of England and Wales, with hot conditions developing in places.
"The heat is expected to peak for much of England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland on Wednesday, with up to 34°C possible in parts of central and southern England and southeast Wales. East Anglia and south-east England, however, could see temperatures even higher on Thursday.
"Humidity levels are also expected to increase through the week, which may make conditions feel more uncomfortable, particularly overnight."
