Further warnings for extreme heat issued for southern England including Milton Keynes

Further warnings for extreme heat have been issued in Milton Keynes as a heatwave in southern England continues.

The UK has been in the midst of a strong heatwave this week, with today (24/06) seeing the highest ever temperature for June recorded in the UK as a temperature of 36.1 degrees Celsius at a weather station in Hampshire.

Areas of the UK including Milton Keynes were under a red warning for extreme heat today and tomorrow (25/06), which some forecasts suggest will be slightly hotter.

The heatwave will still be continuing according to the forecasts, with the Met Office issuing amber weather warnings for extreme heat on Friday (26/06) and Saturday (27/06).

As of 8pm tonight, forecasts suggest temperatures will peak at 35 degrees C on Friday and will continue to break the 30 degree mark on Saturday before moving below the 25 degree C mark on Sunday (28/06).

Under the latest warnings, the Met Office advised that adverse health effects are likely to be experienced by those vulnerable to extreme heat.

The wider population are likely to experience some adverse health effects including sunburn or heat exhaustion (dehydration, nausea, fatigue) and other heat related illnesses.

Some changes in working practices and daily routines likely to be required.

There is also an increased chance that some heat-sensitive systems and equipment may fail, leading to power cuts and the loss of other services to some homes and businesses.

More people are likely to visit coastal areas, lakes and rivers leading to an increased risk of water safety incidents.

Some delays to road, rail and air travel are possible, with potential for welfare issues for those who experience prolonged delays.

The heat comes amid major heat being seen across western Europe, with France recording the hottest temperature ever seen on the French mainland and higher-than-average temperatures also recorded in Spain, Italy, Germany and the Netherlands.

High temperatures have caused issues across the UK, with railway companies cancelling services and over 1,000 schools and nurseries in the UK confirming they will be either partially or fully closed.