New heat health alerts have come into force for large parts of England on Monday, with some areas forecast to be hotter than Greek holiday hotspots.
Temperatures could reach 35C in the South East, according to the Met Office, higher than forecasts for the islands of Mykonos, Rhodes and Santorini.
Much of central and southern England is set to see highs in the upper 20s to low 30s before temperatures ease slightly later in the week.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued amber heat-health alerts for the East Midlands, East of England, South East and London, which remain in place from 9am on Monday until 9am on Wednesday.
Amber health alerts mean significant impacts are likely across health and social care services. Credit: UKHSA
The alert warns the heat could place extra pressure on the NHS, with more vulnerable people likely to require medical treatment.
Less severe yellow heat-health alerts are in place for the North West, Yorkshire and The Humber, West Midlands and South West over the same period.
Monday is expected to be the peak of the hot weather this week with a headline of 34C, but with a potential for local 35C in the South East, and the Midlands into the low 30s.
It is the latest spike in heat in a summer that has already seen record-breaking, deadly heatwaves in May and June – which together saw more than 2,800 excess deaths – and further heatwaves in July, which have fuelled wildfires, drought and poor harvests.
Temperatures are expected to come down after that, but highs of 28C to 30C are forecast on Tuesday.
An aerial view of Kensington Palace and Kensington Gardens in London as the heatwave continues Credit: Aaron Chown/PA
The South East and East Anglia will see the highest temperatures on Tuesday. Although they will not be as extreme as on Monday, temperatures will still be well above average.
Low pressure moving in from the west could bring rain to northern and western parts of the UK, with a chance of showers reaching the South East on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland could see heavy rain, with weather warnings possible in parts of Scotland.
Wales is forecast to reach the high 20s on Monday before cooling to the mid-20s over the following days.
Experts at the Met Office have warned weather conditions in August are not looking favourable for delivering the kind of sustained rain needed to reverse the dry conditions that have left all of Wales and half of England officially in drought.
July looks set to have been the driest on record for England and Wales, and some places have had no rain for weeks.
Roughly 23 million customers are under hosepipe bans, the harvest has come early, and farmers are warning of poor crop yields; livestock are already being fed winter feed, and rivers and the natural environment are struggling with low water levels.
Polly Ashmore, of the UKHSA, said: “Periods of hot weather can result in serious health outcomes, especially for older adults, and it is therefore important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.
“We are urging health and social care services in affected regions to ensure they are prepared, and reminding people to look out for elderly relatives, neighbours and those with underlying health conditions, making sure they are aware of the forecast and following the necessary advice.
“Simple steps such as staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day, and keeping your home cool are some of the key ways to help keep yourself and others safe during periods of hot weather.”
Angelo Makri, of the Alzheimer’s Society, warned that high temperatures “can pose serious risks for people living with dementia if they are not supported to stay cool and hydrated”.
“People with dementia may not always recognise when they need a drink or wear suitable clothing, which can increase the risk of dehydration and heat-related illness,” he added.
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