The Met Office raised its heatwave forecast for the UK in the coming days, as the country prepares for record temperatures that are expected to cause disruptions to travel, hospitals, schools and workplaces.
There is now a 90 per cent chance the UK will set a temperature record this week, and a 60 per cent chance of reaching 40C, according to Met Office forecaster Becky Mitchell.
London and other parts of south-east England are under a red warning for exceptional heat on Monday and Tuesday, with highs forecast to reach 41C in some places. The previous UK temperature record of 38.7C was set in Cambridge in 2019. Areas of southern Scotland, including Dundee and Perth, are now under an amber alert.