Scorching temperatures of 36C are expected in the UK next week, with heat health alerts in place warning that the hot weather is likely to affect the wellbeing of the population.
The Met Office said temperatures will climb through the weekend as heatwave conditions return, with a high of 36C expected in parts of East Anglia and south-east England by Thursday.
There have been two record-breaking heatwaves, in May and June, that led to more than 2,800 excess deaths, and two more heatwaves in July that have fuelled drought and wildfires.
The highest temperature of the year was 38C recorded at Lingwood in Norfolk on June 28.
There have been 33 days so far this year when temperatures have exceeded 30C somewhere in the UK.
The record of 34 days – set in 1995 – is likely to be broken next week.
Forecasters said the weekend will see a north-south split in the weather with Scotland and Northern Ireland likely to see spells of heavy rain, while England and Wales will remain largely dry, sunny and increasingly warm.
Temperatures could reach 27C on Friday and as high as 30C on Saturday, before climbing into the low 30s in southern and south-east England on Sunday.
Highs of up to 30C are possible across parts of England and Wales on Tuesday, increasing to 32C to 34C on Wednesday.
The highest temperatures are currently expected on Thursday when 36C could be seen in parts of East Anglia and south-east England.
Deputy chief forecaster Mike Silverstone said: “Temperatures will climb through the weekend and, more significantly, through much of next week.
“After a brief dip on Monday, high pressure will move across the UK before settling to the east, allowing a southerly flow to develop.
“A fairly widespread heatwave is likely across large parts of England and Wales, with hot conditions developing in places.
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