Southern England will be hotter than Bali as Britain braces for its fourth heatwave of the summer.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued an amber alert covering the West Midlands, East Midlands, South East, London, and East of England with temperatures set to surpass 30C (86F).
While temperatures are predicted to hit the mid-30s in the UK this week, Bali will see highs of 27C, according to the Met Office.
1208 Heatwave
The warning comes into force from 9am on Tuesday and will last until 6pm on Wednesday.
A yellow warning has also been issued for the North West and North East at the same time. These come on top of the yellow warnings that were already in place across the south West, Yorkshire and the Humber.
It comes after the UK has already experienced three heatwaves this summer.
A dog licking an ice cream in Ayrshire, Scotland – Garry F McHarg/FOCAL Scotland
Dr Paul Coleman, a consultant in public health at UKHSA, said: “Temperatures are forecast to rise above 30C across central and southern parts of the country over the next few days, and generally hot weather is expected across most regions of England.”
He added: “These kind of temperatures can result in serious health outcomes across the population – particularly in those who are vulnerable, such as the elderly or those with serious health conditions – so it is important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.
Children cool off in fountains as temperatures continue to soar – Asadour Guzelian/Guzelian Ltd
“If you have friends, family or neighbours who are vulnerable, it is important to ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice.
“Check in on them if you can to make sure they know that hot weather is on the way and how to keep themselves safe.”
The elderly have been urged to take extra precautions during the heatwave – David Smith/Alamy Live News
A combination of amber and yellow heat health warnings were issued across England in June and July, when temperatures exceeded 30C in several parts of the country.
A police officer carries bottles of water through Westminster – Yui Mok
On July 1, the hottest day of the year so far, 34.7C (94.5F) was recorded at St James’s Park in central London.
Several water companies were forced to issue hosepipe bans for activities such as watering the garden, cleaning cars and filling paddling pools as part of efforts to protect supplies in the face of the dry and hot weather.
People swimming at Hope Valley in the Peak District, Derbyshire – Danny Lawson/PA Media
The heatwave threshold is met when a location records at least three consecutive days with maximum temperatures exceeding a designated value, according to the Met Office.
This is 25C for most of the UK, but rises to 28C in London and its surrounding area, where temperatures are typically higher.