An extreme heat weather warning has been issued by the Met Office as temperatures are set to soar to a record-breaking 38C next week.
The amber warnings cover parts of England and Wales over four days next week, with the first for Monday and Tuesday covering central and southern England including the Midlands and parts of Wales.
A second amber warning has now been issued for Wednesday and Thursday, covering similar areas as well as parts of northwest England including Greater Manchester, Yorkshire and Cheshire and North Wales.
The news has sparked weather warnings, health alerts and concerns for vulnerable people.
It comes as Europe has seen sweltering temperatures across the continent where temperatures up to 44C had been forecast.
Forecasters have said there is “growing confidence” this week could break the record for the hottest June temperature of 35.6C in the UK, which was previously set in 1976 in Southampton.
The amber extreme heat warning issued by the Met Office on Sunday was expanded to last from Monday until Thursday.
The alert warns of potential health impacts for people vulnerable to extreme heat and heat-related issues for the wider population.
Adverse health effects are “likely” in the wider population including sunburn or heat exhaustion (dehydration, nausea, fatigue) and other heat related illnesses, the Met Office warned, adding that “changes in working practices [are] required”.
“Very intense humidity” is expected. The Met Office has also warned of a possible increase in water safety incidents due to more people being likely to visit coastal areas, lakes and rivers.
There is also an increased chance that some heat-sensitive systems and equipment may fail, leading to power cuts and the loss of other services to some homes and businesses, it added.
Delays to road, rail and air travel are also possible, with potential for welfare issues for those who experience prolonged delays.
People in the alert area are advised to drink plenty of fluids and to keep out of the sun, and avoid exercising between 11am and 3pm, the Met Office said.
Separate amber heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) which now cover most of England from Monday morning until Friday night. A UKHSA yellow heat alert is also in place for north-east England during the same period.
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