Temperatures could hit 33C this weekend as parts of the UK bask in a heatwave.
Forecasters are expecting temperatures to climb to a peak of 33C on Sunday in the east of England, approaching the highest ever temperature recorded in June â 35.6C in 1976.
And yellow heat-health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for most of England from midday on Wednesday until 6pm on Sunday.
The alerts, which means there could be an increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people, cover Yorkshire and the Humber, the East Midlands, West Midlands, east of England, London, the South East and South West.
An official heatwave is recorded when areas reach a certain temperature for three consecutive days, with thresholds varying from 25C to 28C in different parts of the UK.
Temperatures are predicted to reach 27C on Tuesday and Wednesday, 29C on Thursday, 30C by Friday, then 32C on Saturday and peak at 33C on Sunday, the Met Office said.
And some thundery showers could be seen across the far west on Friday night into Saturday.
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley said: âHeat is the main story this week, with high pressure building and temperatures rising to heatwave levels in some areas by the weekend.
âToday and tomorrow, we could see maximum temperatures of 27C in the south of England, and 29C on Thursday.
âThe trend for temperatures to rise continues into Friday, with a maximum of 30C in central England. With the hot temperatures, we could also see some thundery showers across the far west Friday night into Saturday.
âWidespread very warm conditions are expected on Saturday, with a top temperature of 32C. Sunday looks to see the peak of the very warm spell, with a headline max of 33C possible. This is most likely to be in the east of England, with other areas seeing temperatures into the high 20s to low 30 Celsius. Warm, and perhaps even âtropical nightsâ will also be a feature this week.
âAt present, the highest temperature ever recorded in June was 35.6C in Southampton in 1976. The warmest day of the year so far was 29.4C on June 13, recorded at Santon Downham in Suffolk.
âHigh pressure is expected to move away from the UK into early next week resulting in temperatures falling. However, there is uncertainty in how quickly this happens, and the peak temperatures experienced across the UK.â
The hotter weather is a âwelcome liftâ for the hospitality sector, Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said.
She said: âThis spell of warm weather will no doubt be a welcome lift for hospitality venues up and down the country, as people look to eat, drink and socialise outdoors.
âBusinesses will now be hoping for a strong summer to help counterbalance the significant cost pressures theyâre contending with. Rain or shine, Iâd encourage everyone to get out and support their local hospitality businesses.â
Katy Alston, who has been in the ice cream trade for more than 20 years and runs Pinks Parlour near the beach in Bognor Regis, West Sussex, said this weekâs weather will be âthe difference between night and dayâ for her business.
She said: âWe get so excited because this is what we wait for.
âPeople who work in ice cream vans are risk takers because you never know when that big yellow ball is going to come out.â
Ms Alston said on Tuesday morning she had 84 inquiries from businesses wanting an ice cream van to visit, which is more than the last month.
âWe want to go to as many people as we can,â she said. âWeâre now making gelato around the clock, as fast as weâre making it, weâre selling it.
âItâs our Christmas time.â
Meanwhile, the London Fire Brigade has issued a warning over wildfires before the prolonged spell of hot weather and following one of the driest springs on record.
London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner Pam Oparaocha said: âFor many people, this week will feel like the start of summer with temperatures rising, especially as the sunny weather is expected to continue into the weekend and beyond.
âWith hot weather comes the temptation to host BBQs or to head out to one of Londonâs many open spaces to enjoy the sunshine. However, it is important to make sure you are doing so safely. Weâve had the driest spring in over a century, and the result is a heightened risk of grass fires, while the dry weather also means that fires can spread more easily.
âIf youâre out in the park or at an open space, please donât take a disposable BBQ with you, make sure that smoking materials are discarded of properly and either dispose of your rubbish in the appropriate bins or take it home with you if none are available. If youâre having a BBQ at home, avoid doing so on a balcony and ensure your BBQ is away from flammable materials like fences and sheds. You should also avoid having your BBQ on any decking you may have in your garden.
âWeâre also urging landowners and local authorities to take action now by creating fire breaks to protect communities from wildfires this summer. This includes cutting back or ploughing grass, especially where it lies close to properties. These fire breaks can help slow down the spread of fire, as well as protecting people and their properties.â
