Extreme heat warning issued with 38C highs in just days as fifth heatwave to hit UK and amber health alerts start TODAY

BRITS are bracing for the fifth heatwave of the summer as temperatures are set to soar to 38C and warnings for extreme heat are issued. The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for extreme heat on Thursday as it warns the weather could impact health and transport. The sunrise over Ely cathedral this morning as the sunny and hot weather continues Credit: Bav Media The Met Office has issued an extreme heat weather warning for later this week As almost three-quarters of the country remains in a drought, the mercury is set to rise again with the highest temperatures expected in parts of the east, southeast and the Midlands. Heat health alerts are in place from 9am this morning as highs of 29C in Cardiff, 28C in Manchester and 25C in London are forecast for today. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! The alerts will remain in place until Friday evening alongside the Met Office’s extreme heat warning for Thursday. Met Office Chief Forecaster Jason Kelly said: “Heat will gradually build this week, with temperatures reaching into the mid-30s Celsius in what will be a fairly widespread heatwave for England and Wales. Amber heat health alerts are in place from 9am this morning until Friday evening Credit: UK HSA Runners out in London’s Regent Park this morning Credit: SelwynPics Almost three-quarters of the UK is currently experiencing a drought Credit: i-Images A fire at Holme Fen in Peterborough is fought for a fourth day Credit: Story Picture Agency “The driver for this week’s heat is high pressure, this becoming dominant over the next day or so, bringing plenty of sunshine and allowing temperatures to build day-by-day. “Southerly or southeasterly winds will also tap into the hot conditions over Europe, meaning we’re looking at further notable heat for many this week, likely peaking on Thursday.” Amber heat health alerts have been issued for most of England including the Midlands, South East, North West and South West, while a yellow alert will be in force for the North East. Officials have urged people to take simple steps to stay safe, such as drinking plenty of water, checking on vulnerable friends and family, and avoiding the sun at the hottest part of the day. Most read in The Sun The Met Office said those vulnerable to extreme heat might experience adverse health effects. While hot and dry weather continues for most of the country, showers are forecast for north and northwest Scotland and areas of Northern Ireland. The heat will ease in most places on Friday but hold out until Saturday in the south before cooler air moves down from the northwest. Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster David Oliver said: “While Thursday will be the peak of the heat this week, some warmth will remain in the south and southeast on Friday, before easing more widely on Saturday as cooler air spreads south from the northwest.” The start of next week could see some rain as the high pressure finally begins to drop. The Environment Agency (EA) said 71.3% of England is experiencing “flash drought”, as a dry start to August followed the country’s driest July on record. People in the sea in Brighton, East Sussex as heat health alerts are issued Credit: PA This week's weather forecast The Met Office's five-day forecast Today:A dry and sunny day for most with light winds. Cloudier in northwest Scotland and western parts of Northern Ireland with some outbreaks of light rain. Very warm in the sunshine. Tonight:Outbreaks of rain will continue in the far northwest, but a drier night elsewhere with clear skies. Staying mild perhaps with a few mist patches. Wednesday:Cloudy in western Scotland and western parts of Northern Ireland with showers, turning heavy at times. A dry and sunny day elsewhere with hot sunshine. Outlook for Thursday to Saturday:Turning hotter through the next few days with extreme heat possible in parts of England and Wales, particularly on Thursday. Largely dry and sunny, but showers possible in the northwest. The mercury is set to hit 36C later this week Credit: MET Office Flash drought is one which develops very quickly because of a combination of very low rainfall and high temperatures. Yesterday the East Midlands, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, Kent and East Sussex, and Solent and the South Downs became the latest areas to move into drought. Firefighters have been battling a series of fires across the UK as the countryside is left bone-dry by the drought. A fire has been burning in the New Forest National Park, Hampshire, since Sunday after a van caught fire on the nearby A31 near Ringwood. The area is protected heathland and home to a number of rare species, according to the New Forest National Park Authority. On Monday evening, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said crews were “set to work into the night again” as more than 120 firefighters attended the scene. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said on Monday night that crews were attending “multiple wildfire incidents”, including at Cwmavon Woods in Blaenavon, Wattsville in Sirhowy Valley and Abernant in Aberdare. 1 comment1