Most of England has been placed under amber heat-health alerts as temperatures begin to rise again, with forecasters warning of potentially dangerous conditions and increased pressure on health and social care services.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued the alerts until Friday evening, covering a period of high and potentially extreme temperatures expected across much of the country.
The Northeast is the only region in England not covered by an amber alert. It has instead been placed under a less severe yellow heat-health alert.
Temperatures are expected to climb into the low and mid-30s Celsius across large parts of England and Wales as the week progresses, with some areas potentially reaching 35C to 36C by Thursday and Friday.
Health officials have warned that the extreme heat could have significant effects, particularly among older people and those living with existing health conditions.
However, younger and otherwise healthy people could also be affected as demand on health and social care services increases.
Temperatures set to rise
The hottest conditions on Tuesday are expected across east Wales, the Midlands and central parts of southern England, where temperatures could reach between 27C and 30C.
East Anglia, London and south-east England are expected to be slightly cooler, with temperatures ranging from 22C to 26C.
The heat is expected to become more widespread on Wednesday, with temperatures exceeding 30C in an area stretching from South Yorkshire and east Wales through Somerset and across much of England.
The Midlands and south-east England could experience temperatures of between 31C and 33C.
The most intense heat is forecast for Thursday and Friday, when temperatures in parts of the Midlands, eastern England and south-east England could rise to 35C or 36C.
Night-time temperatures are also expected to remain unusually high, making it difficult for many people to sleep.
Minimum temperatures could remain between 16C and 18C across England and Wales, while parts of south-east England could experience a “tropical night”, when temperatures stay above 20C throughout the night.
The upcoming heatwave is expected to be less humid than the heatwaves experienced in June and July, but the extreme temperatures could still pose serious risks.
The Met Office is also understood to be considering whether to issue extreme heat warnings, which would indicate possible impacts beyond public health, including disruption to transport infrastructure and power networks.
England faces worsening drought
The heatwave comes as drought conditions continue to worsen across England.
Officials announced on Monday that the East Midlands, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, Kent and East Sussex, and Solent and the South Downs had moved into official drought status.
As a result, most of England, apart from some northern areas, is now officially experiencing drought conditions.
According to the National Drought Group, around 45 million people are living in areas affected by drought, while more than 27 million people are subject to water restrictions.
River and reservoir levels have fallen significantly following weeks of exceptionally dry weather.
The latest heatwave is expected to worsen the situation because little or no rain is forecast across most of England and Wales for much of the week.
Rain may finally arrive this weekend
Forecasters are not expecting significant rainfall until at least Sunday, when Atlantic weather systems could bring rain to Wales and southern England.
The rain is not currently expected to be particularly heavy or persistent, but it could provide the first meaningful rainfall for some areas after almost two months of predominantly dry conditions.
Scotland and Northern Ireland could see isolated showers during the coming days, although most areas are expected to remain dry.
Longer-range forecasts suggest there could be more rainfall next week, but forecasters caution that the amount of rain will vary considerably from one location to another.
Beyond next week, high pressure could return, bringing another spell of dry weather during the final week of August.
Another record-breaking summer
The latest heatwave adds to what has already been an exceptional summer in the UK.
Temperatures have remained above average for much of the season, with even cooler periods generally staying close to or above the seasonal average.
The highest temperatures recorded during the June and July heatwaves were 38C and 35.5C respectively.
Forecasters say the UK is on course to record temperatures above 35C in four consecutive months for the first time in recorded history, highlighting the unusual nature of this summer.
Authorities are urging people to take precautions during the hottest periods, particularly older people, those with existing health conditions and anyone who may be particularly vulnerable to extreme heat.
People are also being advised to stay hydrated, avoid unnecessary exposure to the hottest parts of the day and check on vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours.
SOURCE: BBC