A red warning for hot weather is in place over London for the next two days amid a record-breaking June heatwave.
The Met Office alert warns of a risk to life from the extreme heat and is in place until 9pm on Friday.
It comes as temperatures in London are expected to rise to around 36C on Friday.
Thursday is tipped to be a slightly cooler 32C high after 35C.8 was recorded in the capital on Wednesday.
It was another uncomfortable night for many with the temperature not dropping below 21C in most parts of London.
The Met Office said on Thursday that the UK record for the highest June minimum temperature has provisionally been broken, with temperatures only falling to 23.5C overnight at Bute Park, Cardiff.
What’s the forecast for the weekend and beyond?
Saturday looks like being another extremely warm day with the Met Office currently forecasting 31C for London.
That would see the current heatwave stretching a full week in the capital.
However, there should finally be some respite on Sunday, with temperatures set to fall to 26C.
That would signal the end of the heatwave, which in London is defined as at least three consecutive days of temperature highs no lower than 28C.
Why is it so hot?
The heatwave is being driven by a “heat-dome” settling over western Europe that has brought extreme conditions across the continent, with human-driven climate change, mostly caused by burning fossil fuels, making heatwaves more frequent and intense.
The Met Office said it is possible the June record could be beaten again.
If temperatures reach 39C, that would make it the second hottest day in the UK on record.
If 38C is recorded, that is still in the top five days ever recorded and hotter than any day of the 20th century.
The Met Office is warning that on ongoing heatwave will be accompanied by high humidity, “exacerbating the potential for discomfort and health impacts.”
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: “Very hot weather is forecast across large parts of England in the coming days and we are urging health and social care services across the country to ensure they are prepared.
“It is vitally important that people understand the risk posed by high temperatures like these, and take steps to keep themselves and their friends, families and neighbours safe.
“Simple actions like staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day, and keeping your home cool can make a big difference.
“It’s also important to look out for others, especially elderly relatives, neighbours, and those with underlying health conditions, to make sure they are aware of the forecast and following the necessary advice.”
