The weather is about to get even warmer, with record-breaking temperatures of 40C forecast in some parts of England for Monday (July 18) and Tuesday (July 19). The conditions could be life-threatening and a level four national emergency has been declared by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the affected days.
The heat can cause major issues from dehydration to heat exhaustion and even heatstroke, which can be deadly. Level four alerts are issued when "a heatwave is so severe and/or prolonged that its effects extend outside the health and social care system," the UKHSA says.
"At this level, illness and death may occur among the fit and healthy, and not just in high-risk groups." It's the first time such an alert has been issued since the Heatwave Plan for England was introduced in 2004.
