The Met Office has issue an Amber extreme heat warning which covers most of the southern half of England. The warning will be in force from Thursday until the end of Sunday with impacts possible to health,transport and infrastructure.

The heat will build through the week, peaking on Friday and Saturday thanks to the influence of high pressure positioned over the UK.

Temperatures are likely to rise into the low-to-mid 30s for those within the warning area. However temperatures are not expected to rise any higher than this, meaning that no more record breaking temperatures, similar to those we had in July will be recorded.

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Rudman said: “Thanks to persistent high pressure over the UK, temperatures will be rising day-on-day through this week and an Extreme heat warning has been issued.”

Many will be thinking back to the sleepless nights of the first heatwave in July as a distant memory, however night time temperatures are not expected to drop much below 20 Celsius during this heatwave.

“Coupled with the high daytime temperatures there will be some warm nights, with temperatures expected not to drop below the low 20s Celsius for some areas in the south.” He said.

(unsplash)

Travel is also likely to be affected, during July’s heatwave some railway tracks and roads were reported to have buckled and under the intense heat.

National Highways Head of Road Safety, Jeremy Phillips said: “It is always very important to plan ahead for your journey and this advice remains the same during periods of hot weather.

“When hot weather is forecast, please remember to take plenty of drinking water with you – enough for you and your passengers.

“We also advise everyone should check their vehicles, such as tyres, coolant and oil levels, before heading out.”

Pets are also in the spotlight as heatstroke among dogs and cats can prove fatal. Dr. Justine Shotton, President of the British Veterinary Association, said: “Whilst it’s wonderful to make the most of the warm weather, please don’t forget to give some extra attention to pets, many of whom may struggle as the temperature rises.

“Animals need extra care during the summer to keep them safe from heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke, heart conditions, breathing difficulties and sunburn, many of which can sadly be fatal.

“Make sure animals have access to fresh drinking water, good ventilation and shade from direct sunlight at all times. Dogs especially can overheat easily, so make sure they aren’t walked or exercised in the hottest parts of the day or left inside a hot car or conservatory for even a little while.”

Vulnerable and elderly members of our local communities are an at risk group during the heatwave according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) which has issued a level 3 Heat Alert.

The Alert is designed to help healthcare professionals manage through periods of extreme weather.

The Alert is in force from Tuesday through to Sunday, with the UKHSA advising people to look out for vulnerable people, including older people, young children and those with underlying health conditions.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at the UKHSA, said: “It’s important to ensure that people who are more vulnerable – elderly people who live alone and people with underlying health conditions – are prepared for coping during the hot weather.

“The most important advice is to ensure they stay hydrated, keep cool and take steps to prevent their homes from overheating.”

After the driest July since 1935 there’s little in the way of rain in the forecast leading many water companies to consider imposing strict hosepipe bans. Water UK’s Director of Communications Peter Jenkins, said: “Water companies are already managing the unprecedented effects of the driest winter and spring since the 1970s, and with more hot, dry weather forecast, it’s crucial we be even more mindful of our water use to minimise spikes in demand and ensure there’s enough to go around.”