The Met Office has updated the Amber extreme heat warning for most of southern England and southeastern Wales to now include eastern Wales and much of the Midlands.
Impacts to people and infrastructure are possible and water safety is a particular concern.
Heatwave conditions, initially developing over southern and eastern England, are expected to persist well into next week as well as spreading into many other parts of England and Wales. The Met Office Amber extreme heat warning currently runs through the whole of Monday and Tuesday and will be updated as necessary as confidence in the duration of the heat through next week increases.
Peak temperatures are forecast to reach 35°C on Tuesday and Wednesday, with growing confidence in the current highest temperature on record for June being broken, this being 35.6°C recorded in Southampton in June 1976.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Steven Keates, said: “While heatwave criteria will be met for some in the south and southeast of England over the weekend, with temperatures into the low 30s Celsius possible, the warmth will expand and intensify at the start of next week, which, coupled with high temperatures overnight and high humidity, leads to potential impacts.
“Temperatures are forecast to reach 32°C on Monday, climbing further to 35°C on Tuesday and Wednesday. By Thursday temperatures are currently forecast to drop slightly, with a peak of 34°C more confined to the southeast of England. Importantly high humidity will also mean this feels close, warmer and more uncomfortable for many. Tropical nights, where the temperature doesn’t drop below 20°C are also likely for some, especially in urban areas.”
