The UK swelters under an unrelenting heatwave as the Met Office extends its extreme heat warning across central and southern England, eastern Wales, and parts of Scotland. Temperatures are forecast to reach the low 30s Celsius in urban areas, prompting warnings of health impacts for the vulnerable and disruption to daily life.
In affected regions, residents are being urged to take precautions, including staying hydrated, seeking shade during peak sun hours, and checking on elderly or vulnerable neighbours. The amber warning is now set to remain in place until at least Friday, with forecasters predicting a significant change in weather patterns by the weekend.
While Scotland and Northern Ireland are not under the extreme heat warning, conditions will still be warm and pleasant, with temperatures hovering in the mid-20s Celsius. However, sunburn and heat stress remain risks, and residents are advised to take precautions against the sun's strong rays.
Meteorologists at the Met Office predict a shift in air mass by Friday, bringing cooler temperatures and potentially some rainfall – particularly across western parts of the UK. This change is expected to signal an end to the prolonged heatwave, with conditions returning closer to seasonal averages over the weekend.