The UK is bracing itself for a sweltering heatwave as temperatures are forecast to soar to a sizzling 34C in some areas. The Met Office has issued an amber extreme heat warning, which will be in place from Thursday midday until Sunday evening, affecting large parts of England and Wales.
Central and southern England will bear the brunt of the heat, with mercury levels potentially reaching 34C in localised hotspots. Even further north, temperatures are expected to consistently exceed 30C during the day, while urban areas may struggle to cool down at night, with some spots failing to drop below 20C.
The intense heat poses a significant risk to vulnerable groups, including older people, those with underlying health conditions, and young children. There's also an increased likelihood of disruptions to daily life, such as transport services being affected by buckling railway lines or melting road surfaces. Heat-related illnesses like heatstroke and heat exhaustion are a heightened concern, particularly in dry rural areas where the risk of wildfires is higher.
Authorities are urging the public to take precautions, including staying hydrated, seeking shade during the hottest parts of the day (11am-3pm), and avoiding strenuous activity. People should also check on vulnerable friends, family, and neighbours, ensure pets have access to water and shade, and never leave animals in parked cars.
While England and Wales are under an amber warning, Scotland and Northern Ireland will still experience warmer than average conditions – though not quite as extreme. Temperatures in these regions will likely reach the mid-to-high 20s Celsius, with moderate winds of 10-15 mph expected across the UK. The Met Office will continue to monitor the situation closely, issuing further updates or extending the warning if necessary.