UK faces ‘longest heatwave in 50 years’ as health alerts come into force

• The UK is bracing for what could be the longest heatwave in 50 years, with temperatures set to reach 35C this week.
• Amber heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency for the Midlands, eastern and southern England until 9pm on 12 July, with yellow alerts in force across northern England.
• Steven Keates, Met Office deputy chief forecaster, said people should “take the usual precautions with the heat and the sun”.
• National Rail Enquiries has urged train passengers to check for updates over the coming days, while vehicle breakdown rescue companies are likely to be busier than usual.
• While not expected to match the temperatures experienced last month, the very warm conditions are likely to continue into the weekend, with increasing humidity and a risk of thunderstorms, before temperatures trend down slightly into early next week.

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Amber alert for extreme heat in force as UK braces for longest heatwave in 50 years