Temperatures will soar above 30C in parts of the UK by Monday with another exceptionally hot spell bringing a yellow health alert. A fine day on Sunday will be followed by "strong August sunshine" for England and Wales in the new week.
The Met Office said there is even the chance of isolated thunderstorms developing during the hot weather. The forecaster previously said temperatures could reach the mid-30s across central, southern and eastern areas of the country in the coming days, and another heatwave was possible in some areas.
Yellow health alert issued
The UK Health Security Agency has issued a yellow heat health alert from 12pm on Monday until 6pm on Wednesday. The warning covers London, Yorkshire and the Humber, the East Midlands, east of England, the South East and South West.
There could be a significant impact across health and social care services, including the potential for a rise in deaths. Those aged 65 and over or with health conditions are particularly at risk.
North-south weather split expected
Tom Morgan, meteorologist at the Met Office, said there will be "definitely a north-south split in the weather" on Monday. Scotland, Northern Ireland and parts of northern England will see quite cloudy conditions with rain coming and going, most persistent in western Scotland.
England and Wales will see mostly sunny skies, although there will be more high level cloud compared to Sunday. This means the sunshine will be "hazy at times", Morgan said.
Temperatures reach 31C Monday
Most areas of the country will have temperatures in the mid to high-20s on Monday. Some spots around London and the South East could have highs of 31C.
Sunday will bring lots of blue sky and sunshine for "the vast majority" of the UK. Temperatures will feel noticeably warmer nationwide but particularly across northern areas thanks to a lighter breeze.
Heatwave threshold explained
Highs of 28C are possible in London while temperatures will be comfortably into the mid-20s elsewhere on Sunday. The heatwave threshold is met when a location records at least three consecutive days with maximum temperatures exceeding a designated value.
This is 25C for most of the UK, but rises to 28C in London and its surrounding area, where temperatures are typically higher. The Met Office said another heatwave was possible in some areas.
Emergency services respond
Emergency services are already having to respond to the rising heat and ongoing dry conditions. Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service declared a major incident on Saturday as about 100 firefighters battled a fire in Holt Heath, near Wimborne.
Crews have continued tackling a large blaze at Newton Heath, near Swanage, which has been burning since last Sunday.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
