UK extends extreme heat warning as temperatures approach record highs

The United Kingdom's Met Office has extended an extreme heat warning for England and Wales, originally planned for Monday and Tuesday, through Thursday. Temperatures are expected to climb as high as 38 degrees Celsius in some areas.

The orange alert, initially issued for much of southern England, the southeast, east Wales, and central England, has been expanded. The warning highlights potential health impacts on vulnerable individuals and the general population, alongside concerns about increased aquatic safety incidents. Authorities are particularly worried about people swimming in lakes, recalling fatal drownings during the first heatwave in May.

Health officials are advising residents in the affected regions to drink plenty of fluids, avoid sun exposure, and refrain from strenuous exercise between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. On Saturday, the maximum temperature recorded in southern England was 27.7 degrees Celsius, which is unusually high for this time of year.

In contrast, northern England and Scotland are expected to experience much cooler temperatures, around 21 degrees Celsius. Meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey noted that the upcoming temperatures would be "quite exceptional for June" in the UK. The current June temperature record stands at 35.6 degrees Celsius, set in Southampton in 1976.

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quite exceptional for June