Met Office Issues First Ever 'Extreme Heat' Weather Warning For UK

According to the centre, the amber warning has been sounded for a lot of Wales, the entire South-West of England and parts of southern and central England.

This is the first time it has been issued since the Met Office introduced its extreme heat warning service launched last month.

The Met Office's chief operational meteorologist Steven Ramsdale said: "Many areas will continue to reach heatwave thresholds but the amber extreme heat warning focuses on western areas where the most unusually high temperatures are likely to persist."

This comes after Northern Ireland experienced its hottest day ever.

It broke the previous record of 30.8°C, which was first reached on 30 July 1976, and again on 12 July 1983.

The Met Office announced the news on Twitter, writing: "Today is provisionally the hottest day ever recorded in Northern Ireland.

"Ballywatticock in County Down reached 31.2°C at 15.40.

"Previously, 30.8°C was the highest temperature recorded in Northern Ireland, reached on July 12 1983 and June 30 1976."

Due to the high number of people heading towards Helen's Bay in Bangor to enjoy the sun yesterday, Translink even suspended tickets for the service, warning that trains had to operate at a reduced speed due to the heat.

And with temperatures set to continue across the rest of the week, the Met Office put out a warning last week urging people to take care.

Met Office Operational Meteorologist Andy Page said: "The extension of the Azores high is the principal reason behind the UK's current weather pattern, which will see much of the UK reach heatwave thresholds over the weekend and into early next week."

And with many of us now heading back into our respective offices after months of working from home, the rise in temperatures has left many wondering how hot it has to be before you can claim the office is too hot to work in.

Unfortunately, there isn't a set temperature for offices or other workplaces. Employers have to make sure that the conditions are 'reasonable', depending on the kind of work taking place.

The Health and Safety Executive says: "A meaningful maximum figure cannot be given due to the high temperatures found in, for example, glass works or foundries."

However, the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers recommends the following temperatures for different working areas:

• Heavy work in factories: 13°C
• Light work in factories: 16°C
• Hospital wards and shops: 18°C
• Offices and dining rooms: 20°C

Taking notes? Good.