Experts have warned people to stay out of the sun as temperatures in southern England soar, before the summer’s second heatwave comes to an abrupt end next week.
A return to cooler weather marks the end of a protracted hot spell that has been linked to a spike of around 650 deaths over the past two months.
As the new week arrives, sunshine will ultimately give way to rain and thunderstorms across much of the nation as cooler air moves in from the Atlantic.
The South East will feel the heat most, hitting 32C on Monday and Tuesday, with a chance it will creep as high as 34C.
Despite reports of a second heatwave engulfing the nation, temperatures are unlikely to approach this year’s record of 35.3C – set at Faversham in Kent on 26 July.
Elsewhere, conditions are expected to be closer to average, with Scotland and Northern Ireland already experiencing showers of rain.
Across much of the country temperatures will drop down to the high teens and early 20s.
However, experts said there was no room for complacency and that people in southern parts of the country should be wary about spending too much time outside for the next few days.
“The main thing is plenty of sun cream if you are out and about and plenty of water… try to stay out of the sun during peak time if possible, around lunchtime,” said Marco Petagna, a meteorologist at the Met Office.
This advice is especially important for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children and those with health issues.
With five people already losing their lives in drowning incidents during the recent heatwave, the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) warned those enjoying the hot weather to be careful in rivers and lakes.
As the UK begins to cool down, Spain and Portugal could reach the highest temperatures ever recorded in Europe thanks to a warm gust of air sweeping up from North Africa.
The deadly heatwaves that have struck Europe in recent months have sparked concern among climate scientists, while MPs have urged the government to prepare for a future of hot summers.
Official figures from the Office for National Statistics show a spike in the number of deaths in England and Wales during June and July.
An increase in deaths is typical side-effect of heatwaves, as temperature spikes can not only directly kill people due to heatstroke but also exacerbate existing health conditions, especially in the elderly.
However, measures can be taken to prepare national infrastructure for such events, and as the nation faces a warmer future there is a need to heat-proof schools, hospitals and transport networks.
