Amber heat health alerts have been extended to the north of England, as the third heatwave of the year saw temperatures soar to 35C (95F) on Thursday.
The alerts cover almost all of England, indicating that the heat is likely to have a significant impact on health services and cause possible travel disruption until 21:00 BST on Sunday.
NHS England has warned many of its ambulance services are facing “sustained pressure” due to the heatwave, and rail services have advised passengers to expect disruption.
While temperatures are not due to match those recorded in June’s record-breaking heatwave, the heat may last longer – possibly until the end of next week.
The current heatwave is not expected to break any daily temperature records – but earlier the Met Office announced is is the eighth day this year where the heat has reached or exceeded 34C.
There were two in the May heatwave, four in June’s and so far two in this one, which is a record for the calendar year, surpassing 1976 and 2020. A further temperature reading of 34C or over is expected on Friday.
The alerts for north-west England and Yorkshire – issued in situations that could potentially put the whole population at risk – join those already in force for the Midlands, eastern, and southern England.
A yellow alert, indicating that significant impact is possible, covers the north-east.
The worst of the heat is expected in southern and eastern England, parts of which declared a heatwave on Monday after five days at or above 30C, placing additional pressure on players and spectators at Wimbledon gearing up for the semi-finals.
Temperatures hit 35.1C in Wisley, Surrey on Thursday afternoon – approaching the record 35.7C seen at the London tennis championship in 2015.
Additional water and electrolytes are being provided to players, as well as iced towels and umbrellas during changeovers. A 10-minute break can be requested between sets if the temperature and humidity pass a certain threshold.
Meanwhile on Thursday, 30.4C has been recorded in Cardiff, Wales, 27.0C in Aboyne, Scotland and 25.0C in Killowen, Northern Ireland.