BRITS are expected to swelter in back-to-back record-breaking days of 38C sunshine on the edge of Europe’s heatwave.
Beaches up and down the country are predicted to be packed out as people flock to the coast to soak up the sun.
Bournemouth beach, Dorset, was also heaving with sun worshippers on Sunday Credit: Alamy
Boscombe beach in Dorset was packed out as people attended a mass baptism Credit: BNPS
Paddle boarders in Essex enjoy the fine weather Credit: Louis Wood
The latest weather warning for extreme heat from the Met Office now covers all of Wednesday and Thursday Credit: Met Office
Forecasters have said there is “growing confidence” this week could break the record for the hottest June temperature of 35.6C, which was set in 1976 in and Camden Square in June 1957.
The forecast reveals the heat is expected to peak at 38C on Tuesday and Wednesday in London – before it is predicted to dip to 37C on Thursday.
Officials have issued warnings, alerts and called for Brits to be vigilant and look after vulnerable people in the sweltering sun.
And it come as the UK sits on the fringes of Europe’s own heatwave – .
Canoeists take to the water in Sheerness, Kent earlier today Credit: Alamy
The Met Office is predicting temperatures to hit 38C on Tuesday and Wednesday Credit: MET Office
Met Office officials explained in an update at the end of the week that Europe’s heatwave is being driven by a high pressure system.
This causes air to sink – which suprresses cloud formations and allows for prolonged sunshine.
The phenomena is sometimes informally called a “heat dome”.
Britain is then seeing the fallout – with the warm air from Europe moving north, while a low pressure system moves south.
An amber extreme heat warning has already been issued by the weather service for Monday and Tuesday for most of southern England, south-eastern and eastern , and much of the Midlands.
That warning has been extended into Wednesday and Thursday which now includes most of Wales, including southern Anglesey, then up to as well as covering most of Norfolk and .
Thursday will offer little respite as well with temperatures due to hit 37C.
By Friday conditions will be less hot, with highs of 33C forecast across eastern areas.
Overnight temperatures will also be very high, with widespread tropical nights, where the temperature does not drop below 20C, across southern parts of England especially in urban areas.
Dew points, which indicate how humid the air is, are forecast to be around 22°C on Wednesday and Thursday.
During the record breaking July 2022 heatwave they were only in single figures, the Met Office said.
Sunday is expected to be a “fine, bright day” and dry for most except for potential showers in north-east , Met Office meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey said in an online forecast.
Relaxing at sunny Bournemouth beach Credit: Alamy
A woman walks during the hot summer weather in London Credit: Reuters
Highs of 31C are forecast in London along with 27C in and 21C in and .
Temperatures will quickly rise on Monday morning and are forecast to reach 34C in southern parts of England.
The alert flags potential health impacts for people vulnerable to extreme heat and heat-related issues for the wider population, as well as a potential increase in water safety incidents.
People in the alert area are advised to drink plenty of fluids and to keep out of the sun and avoid exercising between 11am and 3pm, the Met Office said.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Tom Crabtree, said: “The forecast heatwave is developing into an impactful severe weather event, with record breaking June temperatures and very high humidity.
“The combination of heat and humidity will be oppressive and bring impacts across society from public health and infrastructure, to power and water supplies.
“As well as very high daytime temperatures, there will be consecutive nights where temperatures do not drop below 20C, which is called a Tropical Night.
“This will make it very hard for people to recover from the daytime heat, exacerbating the heat stress impacts.”
Meanwhile, Europe is also sweltering under the heatwave, with temperatures forecast to hit 37C in and 39C in on Monday.
In , highs of 40C are expected on Sunday, with Monday likely to be even hotter as emergency services and military forces have been put on wildfire alert.
Public alcohol consumption restrictions have also been put in place by French authorities and some outdoor sporting events cancelled.
Separate amber heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the east, south-east and south-west of England from Monday morning until Wednesday evening.
A UKHSA yellow heat alert is also in place for and Humber, north-east and north-west England during the same period.
“I’m sure many of us will be wanting to get outside and enjoying some of this heat, but it certainly is worth taking care as we could see some impacts around,” Mr Vautrey added.
“Water safety as well is going to be paramount if you are by the coast or other water bodies in land as well and do follow the safety advice of relative authorities in order to avoid the cold water shock when you are heading into any water areas.”
The heat comes after at least 15 people died after getting into trouble in open water during a hot spell in May.
Samantha Hughes, national water safety partner at the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, said: “With warmer weather approaching, it’s important to remember that the water is still cold.
“Entering it unexpectedly can lead to cold water shock, causing a sudden increase in breathing and heart rate, which may trigger panic.”
After the heat health alerts were issued, the Executive (HSE) said employers must ensure their workers are protected while maintaining productivity during the hot days.
On Saturday, the UK’s highest temperature of 27.7C was measured in Writtle, near Chelmsford in .
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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