The Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning ahead of extreme heat engulfing England and Wales later this week.

The warning stretches through central and southern England and Wales from Wednesday into Thursday.

Over the coming days, humid conditions are forecast alongside potentially tropical nights, when the overnight temperature does not fall below 20C, making it feel muggier than last month’s heatwave.

For Monday, central southern England could see highs of up to 34C with the temperature set to climb to 37C on Tuesday in southern England and south-east Wales, Met Office meteorologist Simon Partridge said.

‘Then Wednesday and Thursday, both 38C but there’s potential for it to go higher, and then by Friday, coming down a little bit, so we’ll see 33C, and then it should ease off into the weekend but still stay quite warm, even into next week, although it won’t be anywhere near as warm as this week,’ he added.

The heat has sparked weather warnings and concerns for vulnerable people.

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 Southampton.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned people to expect significant impacts across health and social care services, along with a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions.

The extreme heat could also bring disruptions to rail, road and air travel, with the possibility of some tarmac melting, according to the Met Office.

On Monday, National Rail advised travellers to check their journeys in advance, allow for extra time, and to carry water.

Separate amber heat health alerts have been issued by the UKHSA, which now cover most of England from Monday morning until Friday night.

A UKHSA yellow heat alert is also in place for the North East of England during the same period.

Source: metro.co.uk

--Agencies