London hits 31C for second day as heatwave builds
Getty ImagesTemperatures have once again hit 31C (88F) in London as a new heatwave continues to build.
An amber heat health alert is in place for many areas and runs until 18:00 BST on Tuesday, with temperatures set to peak at 33C in some parts of the UK on Monday and possibly at 34C in London on Tuesday.
The east of England and the Midlands have seen highs of up to 27C, according to the Met Office.
This is the second amber alert in two weeks and means weather impacts are "likely to be felt across the whole health service".
The head of extreme events and health protection at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) urged people to check on those who are more vulnerable and take "sensible precautions while enjoying the sun".
The alert stretches across London, the East Midlands, South East, South West and East of England.
A yellow heat alert, less serious than amber, has also been issued for Yorkshire and Humber as well as the West Midlands. It denotes "significant impacts" for the health and social care services.
The highest temperature recorded on Sunday was at St James's Park in central London, which had readings of 31C.
The UKHSA has warned that "much of the country will see temperatures in the early to mid-30s" at the height of the heatwave on Monday.
Higher temperatures will begin to spread to more of England and east Wales from Monday which "with light winds will feel humid and more uncomfortable", said BBC Weather forecaster Darren Bett.
"32 or 33C is likely in the Midlands, Lincolnshire, East Anglia and southeast England," he added.
Glastonbury organisers have issued heat advice for people packing up tents and leaving the site as the festival winds down.
"To avoid queues and the heat, leave between midnight tonight and 6am Monday" they said in a post on their website on Sunday, ahead of expected sweltering temperatures.
A reading at the Yeovilton weather station near Glastonbury showed temperatures reached 26.4C on Sunday.
The hottest year for the festival was 2017, when highs of 30C saw dozens of people being treated by paramedics.
Wimbledon, which kicks off on Monday, is expected to see its hottest opening day on record.
Most parts of the UK will be a little cooler on Tuesday. But in London temperatures could hit 34C.
The country's current record high for June rests at 35.6C, set in Southampton's Mayflower Park in 1957 and again at Camden Square in North London in 1976.
Darren Farmer, director of operations at London Ambulance Service, has warned "it's really, really important to keep hydrated" and to "keep away from alcohol" in the heat.
Keeping out of direct sunlight in the middle of the day and taking your medication in a timely manner are also key, Farmer added.
PACarrie Johnson, wife of former prime minister Boris Johnson, has urged breast-feeding mothers in particular to stay hydrated after she was hospitalised for two nights for severe dehydration.
London Fire Brigade have warned of the increased risk of wildfires as temperatures rise and have urged people to take precautions when outdoors.
The heatwave is expected to be over by Wednesday when temperatures will drop significantly.
With a band of cloud over East Anglia and southeast England there will be the potential for heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Next weekend, instead of another heatwave we are more likely to have some rain - which for many will be a welcome sight.