An orange extreme heat warning has been issued for “extremely hot” temperatures for later in the week as the country prepares for today’s hottest day of the year so far. The Met Office warning is in place from midnight on Sunday until 11.59pm, when temperatures are expected to soar into the 30s, but the forecaster added it could be extended until Monday next week. High temperatures of 33 degrees are expected in some areas this afternoon, with central, southern and eastern England seeing a rise in temperatures, the Met Office said. It could mark the hottest day of the year so far, with the UK’s record high for this year standing at 32.7C, which was recorded at Heathrow on June 17. Temperatures are expected to rise this week and the prolonged heat wave is likely to qualify as a heat wave. A level three health warning has been issued from 9am on Monday to 9am on Friday in the east and south-east of England, with the rest of the nation on a level 2 alert. Scientists say heatwaves are now more intense and frequent because of global warming caused by the burning of fossil fuels. It is also the deadliest extreme weather event in the UK.

Basic points

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An orange extreme heat warning has been issued for “extremely hot” temperatures across large parts of the UK ahead of the weekend. The warning, which covers the East Midlands, East of England, London, South East, North East, North West, South West, Wales, West Midlands and Yorkshire and Humber, is in place from midnight on Sunday until 11.59pm, when temperatures are projected to peak in the 30s. A statement from the Met Office said: “There are likely to be adverse health effects across the population, not limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat, leading to potential serious illness or risk to life. Natalie Crockett July 11, 2022 2:40 p.m 1657545489

A look ahead

The Met Office has given us a look at what we can expect as the heatwave continues across parts of the UK this week. The good news for those of you struggling is that temperatures will drop, slightly, as the week progresses, but we’re still in for a prolonged period of warm weather: Tom Barnes 11 July 2022 14:18 1657544109

In photos: Brits go for a walk in warm weather

People across the UK are making the most of the warm weather this afternoon, if you’re stuck indoors try not to feel too jealous as you take a look at these pictures. (SWNS) (AFP via Getty Images) (REUTERS) (PA) Tom Barnes July 11, 2022 1:55 p.m 1657542189

Britons were urged to stock up on water in case of heatwave

People are being told to ration water by taking shorter showers and not watering gardens as temperatures are expected to reach 33C. The UK heatwave is forecast to push temperatures to 33C in parts of England on Monday, followed by highs in the 20s for most of the rest of the week until the mercury climbs back into the 30s at the weekend. Water companies are urging people not to waste water during the heatwave by avoiding washing cars, using sprinklers or taking long showers. Suppliers said higher demand and irresponsible use during hot weather could lead to people not running water from their taps. Chiara Giordano has the full story here:

Brits urged to ration water in the heat by taking four-minute showers

Suppliers warn that higher demand and irresponsible use could lead to people not running water from their taps Tom Barnes 11 July 2022 13:23 1657541229

Too hot to work?

Lots of complaints on social media this afternoon that this hot weather is too hot to work. But are you allowed to leave work if it’s hot? We have the answer right here for any of you planning to confront your boss:

Can you legally leave work if it’s too hot?

Summer in England brings high temperatures Tom Barnes 11 July 2022 13:07 1657539789

Heatwaves are getting worse – what role is climate change playing?

Over the past 100 years, heat waves have become hotter and more frequent around the world, according to the latest report by the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the world’s leading authority on climate science. The IPCC is clear about what is causing this additional heat in the atmosphere: emissions largely generated by humanity’s burning of fossil fuels.

Heatwaves are getting worse – what role is climate change playing?

About 90 percent of the heat is absorbed by the ocean Tom Barnes 11 July 2022 12:43 1657538649

How can you tell if you are dehydrated?

As the UK is gripped by a heatwave, knowing when you’re dehydrated can help save you from heat exhaustion or even deadly illnesses like heat stroke. When temperatures rise, staying properly hydrated is key to practicing heat safety. But how can you tell if someone or yourself is dehydrated?

How can you tell if you are dehydrated?

Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in Tom Barnes 11 July 2022 12:24 1657537509

It’s getting hot

This Met Office graphic shows how temperatures are expected to rise across the UK today. Tom Barnes July 11, 2022 12:05 p.m 1657535889

What is the difference between heat exhaustion and heatstroke?

With a health warning in place, it’s important to make sure you look after yourself and others today as the risk of conditions such as heat stroke will be much higher than on a normal summer day. Here are the signs and symptoms to look out for, examples of how it differs from heat exhaustion, and some tips to avoid heatstroke altogether.

What is the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke?

Temperatures can reach unbearable levels in summer Tom Barnes July 11, 2022 11:38 am 1657534389

A level 3 heat health warning has been issued

A Level Three Heat Alert has been issued by the Met Office and UKHSA from 9am. on Monday until 9 a.m. on Friday in the east and south-east of England, with the rest of the nation on a level 2 alert in place. The four-tier system highlights the potential health effects of these high temperatures. Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at the UKHSA, said: “Health warnings have been issued across the majority of the country today, with temperatures remaining consistently high throughout next week. “Most of us can enjoy the warm weather when it arrives, but it’s important to keep yourself hydrated and find shade where possible when UV rays are strongest, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. “If you have vulnerable family, friends and neighbors, make sure they know how they can protect themselves from the hot weather.” Tom Barnes July 11, 2022 11:13 am