The Met Office has issued a warning for extreme heat this weekend as the UK’s heatwave continues, saying the conditions could pose a ‘danger to life’ or lead to serious illness.
While many people have been enjoying the extended period of warm weather by getting down to the beach, firing up the BBQ or enjoying a few pints in the beer garden, temperatures could become 'exceptionally high' in the coming week and lead to a number of risks.
Official Met Office predictions suggest that temperatures could climb as high as 33°C in some parts of the UK, and that things could get even warmer if the heatwave sustains itself over the course of several days.
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Issuing an amber weather warning, the Met Office said: “Some exceptionally high temperatures are possible during Sunday and could lead to widespread impacts on people and infrastructure.
“Population-wide adverse health effects are likely to be experienced, not limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat, leading to potential serious illness or danger to life. Government advice is that 999 services should be used in emergencies only; seek advice from 111 if you need non-emergency health advice.”
The warning continued to say that ‘substantial changes in working practices and daily routines’ were likely to be required.
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It said there could also be an increased risk of water safety incidents due to ‘significantly more people’ flocking to coastal areas, lakes and rivers to soak up the sunshine, while delays on roads and road closures are possible – as are delays and cancellations to rail and air travel.
These delays, the meteorological service said, could pose ‘significant welfare issues’, even if hold-ups are only ‘moderate’.
The Met Office also warned that the extreme weather was expected to continue into next week, and that the warning therefore may be extended.
"Temperatures will build again later this week and over the coming weekend, likely peaking on Sunday and Monday," it said.
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"Some exceptionally high temperatures are possible and cumulative effects of warm nights and hot days are expected to bring widespread impacts to people and infrastructure.
"This period of hot weather is expected to continue into the early part of next week, hence an update extending this warning into Monday is likely."
People have been warned to stay hydrated and be able to cool themselves down, and to keep an eye on the wellbeing of more vulnerable friends and family who will be suffering more in the sweltering heat.
The heat will be strongest between 11am and 3pm, so that's the time to be most careful of being caught out and about in the glare of the sunshine.
Jess Hardiman