Brits are set to sizzle in heat hitting 31C in parts of the UK today.
The first full week of the summer is off to a scorcher as the mercury inches north of the 30C mark. UKHSA officials have already issued a warning over heat across eight regions, with Tuesday coming in as the hottest day of the year so far.
Highs of 30C were recorded in Chertsey, Surrey, on Tuesday, with that peak set to be smashed again today as the Met Office projects it to inch up to 31. Andrea Bishop, a spokesperson for the service, said warm weather will continue across most of the country in the coming days, while the South West may see slightly cooler temperatures.
"Wednesday is a very warm day for many and we're going to have top temperatures of 31C," she said. "We then transition to fresher conditions looking very likely through Thursday as a weakening band of cloud and showery rain runs east, south-east, across the country through the day.
"Although it could still be very warm ahead of this, for example in the east or southeast of England." Brits have already been urged to check in on the elderly and vulnerable amidst the heat, which the Met Office says could soon become a heatwave if temperatures pass a 25-28C threshold for three or more days running.
People aged 75 and over, particularly women, as well as very young children are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses such as exhaustion and heatstroke. Warmer weather also sees higher numbers of accidental deaths due to drowning as people try to cool off in dangerous open water, such as reservoirs. Officials warned the heat could increase pressure on emergency services and the social care sector.
Meanwhile, Glastonbury festivalgoers can expect a decent showing as they flock to Worthy Farm for the major event, headlined this year by Coldplay and Dua Lipa. The forecast for the festival over the coming days is mainly dry and warm with highs of 20C, although the Met Office says there is a small chance of showers on Thursday morning.
The UKHSA's yellow alert is in place until 5pm on Thursday.