The Met Office has issued an amber warning for “extreme heat” across England and Wales next week.
Temperatures could be set to reach 36C across the southern parts of England and the midlands as well as eastern parts of Wales through Monday and Tuesday.
The Met Office advised: “Keep yourself safe by following these simple steps to reduce the likelihood of the heat making you feel unwell; drink plenty of fluids, keep out of the sun and avoid any exercise between 11am-3pm when the sun is strongest and close curtains in rooms that face the sun.
“If you are going out take water with you, stay in the shade, wear sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat.”
The weather service has characterised the heatwave as “a developing hot spell through Monday and Tuesday will likely lead to widespread impacts on people and infrastructure”.
It added: “The wider population are likely to experience some adverse health effects including sunburn or heat exhaustion (dehydration, nausea, fatigue) and other heat related illnesses.
“More people are likely to visit coastal areas, lakes and rivers leading to an increased risk of water safety incidents.
“Some delays to road, rail and air travel are possible, with potential for welfare issues for those who experience prolonged delays.”
The amber warning runs from 1am on Monday until 11.59pm on Tuesday.
The Met Office continued: “Following very warm weather on Sunday, very high temperatures, accompanied by high humidity, are expected on Monday and especially Tuesday and will likely bring widespread impacts to people and infrastructure.
“In addition to high daytime maxima, temperatures overnight will remain very warm, especially in larger urban areas.
“Temperatures are likely to reach the low to mid-30Cs in places on Monday and into the mid-30Cs more widely on Tuesday.
“Some places, particularly in urban areas, may see temperatures remain above 20C overnight.
“The very high temperatures are likely to continue across parts of central and southern Britain further on into next week, albeit with some uncertainty in the extent and magnitude of this heat.”
To cope with the heat, the Met Office advised: “Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.
“If using public transport, there are many simple things you can do to keep yourself safe; carry water with you, take a small hand-held battery powered fan, if you feel unwell get off at next stop for some fresh air, dress in light fabrics in light colours to help stay cooler, keep an eye on fellow passengers for signs they may be struggling.
“Help to protect vulnerable people that you know including older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone; they may need support to keep cool and stay hydrated. If you are worried about your health, or that of somebody you know, ring NHS 111.
“Keep yourself safe whilst enjoying the water in this weather by following these simple steps: enter the water gradually, avoiding jumping or diving straight in, to reduce your risk of cold-water shock, go to a lifeguarded beach or a supervised swimming area, and, if you, or anyone else, get into difficulty in the water, float on your back.
“People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance.
“It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.”
