Image source, ReutersAn amber weather warning for extreme heat has been extended by the Met Office, with forecasts suggesting temperatures could reach 38C (100F) in parts of England later next week.
An updated warning will now be in force from 01:00 BST on Monday through to 23:59 BST on Thursday, reflecting growing confidence that exceptionally hot and humid conditions will continue through the middle of the week.
Large swathes of England and Wales are covered, though more northerly areas are only under the warning on Wednesday and Thursday.
The warning means population-wide impacts are likely, including serious health risks, disruption to daily routines and increased pressure on infrastructure.
Daytime temperatures are expected to exceed 30C (86F) widely across the warning area, with the hottest locations potentially reaching around 38C (100F).
Overnight temperatures are also forecast to remain unusually high, with some urban areas struggling to fall below 20 or 21C (68-70F), resulting in so-called tropical nights.
The heat is spreading from continental Europe where an extremely intense hot spell has developed.
Temperatures in parts of western France could climb to 43 or 44C (109-111F) over the next few days.
Paris is likely to reach 40C (104F) which would be unprecedented for June.
Heatwave intensifies through next week
For a hot spell to officially become a heatwave, temperatures must exceed a threshold – which varies from 25-28C (77-82F) in different parts of the country – for three consecutive days.
An amber warning for Monday and Tuesday, external will come into force early Monday across parts of England and Wales, where temperatures are expected to reach the low to mid-30C.
It will then extend across further parts of England and Wales on Wednesday and Thursday, moving north to cover Manchester and north Wales, and further west towards Plymouth.
Widespread impacts likely
The Met Office says adverse health effects are likely to be experienced not only by vulnerable groups but across the wider population.
Substantial changes to working practices and daily routines may be required, while heat-sensitive systems and equipment could be affected.
There are also concerns about increased demand on transport and energy networks, alongside a heightened risk of water safety incidents as more people head to beaches, rivers and lakes to cool off.
The UK Health Security Agency has also issued heat-health alerts across parts of England.
How long will the heat last?
Very hot conditions are expected to continue until at least Thursday across much of England and Wales.
Temperatures above 30C could persist for several consecutive days, while overnight temperatures remain exceptionally high in some locations.
The Met Office says cooler conditions may begin to edge in from the west late next week, although confidence in the timing and extent of any breakdown remains low.
As with previous heatwaves, scientists say rising global temperatures caused by human-induced climate change are making extreme heat events more frequent and more intense in the UK.
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