The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings for parts of the UK as unseasonable heat brings record-breaking temperatures. Temperatures are expected to soar to 31°C in some areas, with warm winds and sunshine forecast for the majority of the country.
The severe weather warnings, which are in place until Friday, cover the majority of England, with the north and west of the country expected to be the hottest. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are also forecast to experience warm temperatures, with highs of up to 26°C expected.
According to the Met Office, the severe weather warnings are due to the risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration, as well as the potential for wildfires to start in dry and warm conditions. The organisation is advising people to stay cool, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.
Regional breakdowns for the UK show that the following areas are expected to be the hottest: East Anglia, the South East, and London, where temperatures are forecast to reach 31°C. The north and west of England, including the North West, North East, and Yorkshire and the Humber, are expected to reach highs of up to 29°C.
In Scotland, the Central Belt and the Highlands are expected to reach highs of up to 26°C, while Wales and Northern Ireland are forecast to reach highs of up to 25°C.
The Met Office is urging people to stay safe and take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses. This includes staying in the shade, wearing light and loose clothing, and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water.