The Met Office has significantly expanded its amber extreme heat warning, forecasting temperatures could reach a scorching 36C (97F) in parts of the UK on Monday and Tuesday. The warning, now encompassing much of southern and eastern England, parts of south Wales, east Wales, and the Midlands, signifies a high likelihood of widespread impacts on both people and infrastructure.

This escalated alert comes as forecasts suggest the UK could experience prolonged periods of high temperatures, with some areas potentially exceeding 30C (86F) for six to seven consecutive days. Overnight temperatures are also expected to remain unusually warm, with some locations experiencing "tropical nights" where temperatures stay above 20C (68F).

The Met Office anticipates that these extreme conditions will pose a risk to health, particularly for elderly and vulnerable individuals, though younger and healthier people are also at risk of conditions like sunstroke and heat exhaustion. The UK Health Security Agency has already issued separate amber and yellow heat health alerts across large areas of England in anticipation of the event.

Beyond health concerns, the extreme heat is expected to cause significant disruption to travel and infrastructure. The warning highlights the potential for delays on roads and public transport, and impacts on essential services. This pattern of increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves is consistent with predictions of climate change.

While the amber warning is in effect for Monday and Tuesday, temperatures are expected to begin climbing again on Sunday. Forecasts indicate peak temperatures of 27-31C (81-88F) in the Midlands, Wales, and southern England on Sunday, with cooler conditions expected further north. High UV and pollen levels are also anticipated across many regions.

For a hot spell to be officially classified as a heatwave, temperatures must exceed a specific threshold for three consecutive days, with this threshold varying regionally between 25C and 28C. Some areas, particularly in eastern England, have already met the two-day criteria, meaning a hot day on Saturday could trigger an official heatwave declaration in those locations.

This marks only the sixth amber extreme heat warning issued by the Met Office since the system was introduced in 2021, underscoring the severity of the anticipated weather event. The public is advised to monitor forecasts and take precautions to stay safe during the extreme heat.

Further details on specific temperature forecasts for local areas can be found on the BBC Weather website and app. The Met Office's amber warning is set to remain active until 23:59 BST on Tuesday.