The Met Office has upgraded its weather warning for parts of the UK to red - the highest level alert possible. On Friday morning the forecasting service issued a warning for areas near the Welsh border.
The latest weather maps show that the UK could experience temperatures of 40°C for the first time ever. Exceptional heat is possible for southern and central areas of the UK late this weekend and early next week, with highs of 37°C in parts of Wales.
The red warning for Monday and Tuesday says there is a "very likely" risk of lives being endangered. It adds: "Exceptional, perhaps record-breaking, temperatures are likely on Monday, then again on Tuesday.
Read more: The latest Met Office and BBC Weather updates here.
"Nights are also likely to be exceptionally warm for the UK, especially in urban areas. This is likely to lead to widespread impacts on people and infrastructure. Temperatures are expected to drop away from Wednesday onwards."
BBC Breakfast weather presenter Matt Taylor said on Friday: "Record heat and possibly the first 40°C day I never thought this would be possible so soon. Big impacts to health, travel and power possible."
The weather map that he shared showed highs of 37°C in Wales, which could be seen in eastern parts of the country. The warning remains amber for most parts of Wales, with Tuesday likely to be the hottest day.
The amber warning says: "Temperatures will rise again this weekend, most likely peaking on Monday or Tuesday, then most probably declining thereafter. Latest evidence supports the idea of a trend towards a slightly later onset of high temperatures. Some exceptionally high temperatures are possible both by day and by night; the cumulative effects of very warm nights (particularly in urbanised areas) and hot days are likely to bring widespread impacts to people and infrastructure.
"Although most likely less exceptional, it should also be noted that very warm to hot conditions are also probable across the majority of the rest of the UK."
The red warning from the Met Office says to expect:
- Population-wide adverse health effects experienced, not limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat, leading to 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.
- Substantial changes in working practices and daily routines will be required
- High risk of failure of heat-sensitive systems and equipment, potentially leading to localised loss of power and other essential services, such as water or mobile phone services
- Significantly more people visiting coastal areas, lakes and rivers, leading to an increased risk of water safety incidents
- Delays on roads and road closures, along with delays and cancellations to rail and air travel, with significant welfare issues for those who experience even moderate delays
The Met Office has issued tips for how to cope in the hot weather:
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Look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated. Older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk.
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If you live alone, ask a relative or friend to phone to check that you are not having difficulties during periods of extreme heat.
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Stay cool indoors: Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
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If going outdoors, use cool spaces considerately.
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Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol.
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Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.
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Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest.
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Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat.
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Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day.
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Make sure you take water with you, if you are travelling.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: “Heat-health alerts have now been issued to the majority of the country, with temperatures set to remain consistently high throughout the duration of this week.
“Most of us can enjoy the hot weather when it arrives, but it is important to keep yourself hydrated and to find shade where possible when UV rays are strongest, between 11am and 3pm.
“If you have vulnerable family, friends and neighbours, make sure they are aware of how they can keep themselves protected from the warm weather.’’
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