The Met Office has issued a health alert as the heatwave continues with temperatures set to rise into the mid 30s Celsius this week.

Very hot conditions are expected to persist across eastern and south-eastern parts of the UK through the working week.

The heatwave of 2018 continues across much of England this week, with temperatures expected to reach the high-20s Celsius across the Midlands, southern and eastern England with 32-34 °C possible in a few places as the temperatures peak on Thursday or Friday.

Matthew Lewis, Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said:

“The heatwave conditions will continue across much of England through this week, with temperatures possibly into the mid 30s Celsius in places on Thursday and Friday.

“More changeable conditions are expected across Northern Ireland and western Scotland with showers or longer spells of rain at times with maximum temperatures nearer normal.”

The highest temperature recorded so far this year is 33.0 °C at Porthmadog on 28 June. The highest temperature recorded in 2017 was 34.5° C at Heathrow on 21st June. Prior to this, the most recent heatwave prior to this was in July 2015 when temperatures peaked at 36.7 °C at Heathrow on 1 July, a temperature that is currently the July all-time maximum record. The all-time record in the UK is 38.5° C at Faversham on 10 August 2003.

The dry spell has been most prolonged in East Anglia and Southeast England.

A Level 3 heat-health watch alert has been issued for a large part of England, in association with Public Health England. The Met Office Heat Health Watch Service is designed to help healthcare professionals manage through periods of extreme temperature.

To aid preparation and awareness before and during a prolonged hot spell, a heatwave plan has been created by Public Health England in association with the Met Office and other partners. It recommends a series of steps to reduce the risks to health from prolonged exposure to severe heat for:

• The NHS, local authorities, social care, and other public agencies
• Professionals working with people at risk
• Individuals, local communities and voluntary groups

Dr Thomas Waite, Consultant in Health Protection at Public Health England, said:

“Temperatures are likely be high in parts of England this week, which may leave older people, young children and those with long-term conditions, including heart and lung diseases, struggling to adapt to the heat. So keep an eye on friends and family who may be at risk.

“To beat the heat, try to keep out the sun from 11am to 3pm, walk in the shade if you can, apply sunscreen and wear a hat if you have to go out in the heat. Also try to carry water with you when travelling.”