UK weather: Amber heat alert issued as temperatures set to reach 30C
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued the alert covering the East Midlands, South East, South West, East of England and London.
A yellow alert has also been issued for Yorkshire and Humber and the West Midlands.
Both alerts begin at 12pm on Friday and end at 6pm on Tuesday July 1.
The agency has warned that significant impacts are likely across health and social care services, including an increase in demand, during the alert period.
The amber warning is the second highest, behind red, on the UKHSA's system, and the agency has warned of the possible impacts on health and social services.
After the warmest spring on record and a sizzling Summer Solstice that brought 33C heat on Saturday, the UK is braced for another period of hot weather.
If temperatures reach above 30C+ again this weekend, it would mark the third time this month the mercury has eclipsed the number.
Such a trend could indicate the start of a ' super plume ' summer, with the position of the jet stream making the country more susceptible to hot, humid plumes of air from Europe.
The last time we saw this set up was in 2022 - the year of the historical 40C heatwave in July, and in excess of 32C in June and close to 35C in August.
But it's not all fine weather as the muggy conditions, which have gripped the majority of the nation for the best part of the week, look set to continue.
On Friday, forecasters said the unsettled weather look set to continue.
According to the Met Office, rain could be heavy in the west, while the east of England could remain dry, escaping with some sunny intervals.
Parts of the south and east may also remain very warm as the muggy air returns.
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