UK weather: Yellow heat health alerts issued for most of England, as forecast reveals where it will hit 33C
Yellow heat health alerts have been issued for most of England - with temperatures forecast to hit highs of 33C (91F) this weekend.
Only the North East and North West are exempt from the UK Health Security Agency's latest warning, which comes into force at 12pm on Wednesday and expires at 6pm on Sunday.
The alert indicates that people with pre-existing health conditions, and those aged over 65, could be at higher risk.
Forecasters say the East of England is likely to see the highest temperatures, which wouldn't be far off the June record of 35.6C (90F) set in 1976. There's currently a 15% chance of a new record being set.
According to the Met Office, it will get progressively warmer as the week progresses - with the heat peaking on Sunday.
Deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley said thundery showers may be possible heading into Saturday morning, with "tropical nights" a possibility as parts of the UK approach heatwave territory.
Those who aren't a fan of the heat will be pleased to know that high pressure is expected to move away early next week - meaning temperatures should fall.
"However, there is uncertainty in how quickly this happens, and the peak temperatures experienced across the UK," Mr Holley added.
The heat coincides with the summer solstice, when UV levels are at their peak and nights at their shortest, so there will be little relief once it's dark.
There will be some locally very warm nights - especially in western Scotland - which will exacerbate any heat health impacts.
Grass pollen levels will be mostly high to very high over the next few days, but extreme temperatures can contribute to lower levels.
The forecast means we are likely to see the hottest day of the year so far - eclipsing the 29.4C (85F) recorded last Friday in Suffolk.
In a delicious twist, ice cream makers have said "it's their Christmas time", with some making fresh supplies around the clock.
But the London Fire Brigade has warned that the hot weather, which follows one of the driest springs on record, also "greatly increases" the risk of wildfires that can spread rapidly.
A heatwave is officially declared when temperatures exceed a certain level for three days in a row - and thresholds vary from 25C to 28C (77F to 82F) across the UK.
The Met Office's top tips for staying cool
• Close curtains in rooms that face the sun
• Drink plenty of fluids - but avoid too much alcohol
• Try to keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm
• Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat
• Take water with you if you're travelling
Europe grapples with heatwave too
Iberia is currently experiencing an early season heatwave - with temperatures currently well above the average for this time of year.
For Spain and Portugal, the middle of the week will bring the peak of the temperatures, widely reaching 35 to 40C (95F to 104F) inland, with a few locations exceeding 40C.
The heat will spread further north into France over the next few days, with temperatures widely reaching the low 30s over the weekend.
Temperatures will be some 12C to 16C above average in parts of the north and west, reaching 35C or 36C in places - perhaps even Paris.
There is some uncertainty on how long the heat will persist across France.
Some computer models have the peak on Sunday, while others keep it going into next week, with temperatures climbing even further, perhaps up to 40C.
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