Brits issued heat alert as hottest day this week is revealed
Waking up this morning, you may have noticed an unexpected splash of sunlight peaking through the gaps in your curtains.
That's because the UK is (finally!) finally getting some sunnier weather, after what has felt like years of dreary days and dark nights.
That's right - from today (Monday 24 June) until Thursday, parts of England are expected to hit staggering temperatures of around 31 degrees.
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And as such, hundreds of UK citizens have been frantically Googling which day is set to be the hottest this week - likely so they can ensure they're working from home to top up their tan on their lunch breaks...
But while this may sound like the delightful news we'd been hoping for, Brits have simultaneously been issued a stark warning from the UK Health Security Agency and Met Office, with a 'Yellow Heat-health' alert coming into full force today.
What does a Yellow Heat-health warning mean?
For those unfamiliar with the various categories and what is expected in terms of action, a 'Yellow Heat' alert is issued during periods of heat which would mainly impact people who are vulnerable.
People can still continue with their daily routine, but there may be some minor impacts such as travel disruptions.
The notification was issued at 8am today and will remain in place until 5pm on Thursday, covering every single region in the country except the North East.
This is because the 'mini heatwave' is expected to add increased pressure on to our already-suffering emergency services this week.
While temperatures are expected to peak and lessen sporadically throughout the week - averaging at around the mid-20s - it is believed by Met Office officials that we'll see a colossal spike of around 31 degrees in some areas of the UK.
Those living in the East Midlands, the East of England, East Anglia and the South East have been issued the most severe warnings, with 'potential for significant impacts to be observed across the health and social care sector due to the high temperatures'.
These are expected to be 'an observed increase in mortality across the population likely, particularly in the 65+ age group or those with health conditions, but impacts may also be seen in younger age groups'.
What will be the hottest day this week?
Met Office meteorologist Liam Eslick told press today that today would see mostly dry weather with 'plenty of sunny spells' and a maximum temperature of 28 degrees.
Tuesday's conditions are expected to be slightly milder, with clouds and murk expected in areas across Scotland and Northern Ireland.
There are also believed to be some showers hitting areas across Northern England, which would become thundery.
Across the rest of the country, however, further sunshine is expected, along with temperatures up in the mid to high 20s.
Wednesday has been deemed the likely winner of the 'hottest day of the week' competition, with temperatures expected to reach a mind-blowing high of 30 degrees in the South East.
And Thursday is expected to remain 'widely warm' across the country though, as mentioned, we could be seeing thermometers peaking at 31 degrees.
"Whether or not everyone experiences heatwave thresholds, the majority of the UK will experience the highest temperatures so far this year," Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Rudman told press today.
"Confidence in the forecast reduces markedly from Wednesday onwards, with uncertainty in both how long the heat will last and how it will break down, which we will be keeping an eye on for the coming days.
"However, by next weekend, cooler, changeable conditions become more likely."
Rhianna Benson