by The UK is expected to be warmer than Los Angeles on Friday as temperatures hit 30C ahead of a forecast heatwave.
Parts of the country will reach 28°C in the afternoon, also surpassing major European tourist destinations such as St Tropez, Marbella and Santorini, with dry and sunny conditions in England and Wales.
The Met Office has said a steady stream of high temperatures will begin in the coming days, meaning Britons could be in for an official heatwave.
London, the south-east and the east are expected to see highs of 28°C and 26°C on Friday, while the south-west is a bit cooler at 25°C.
The Midlands and North West are also forecast to see 25C, while Wales could see 24C.
Saturday and Sunday will be a bit cooler, although some clouds and rain will move across the northwest.
Meanwhile, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued a level 2 heat health alert warning ahead of the heatwave.
The alert is in effect from 9am July 11 to 9am July 15 and covers the East of England, the South East and London regions.
The UK previously experienced a heatwave three weeks ago, with June 17 marking the hottest day of the year so far.
Met Office forecaster Greg Dewhurst said: “Over the course of this week, much of next week, temperatures will be above average and very warm locally, sometimes hot.”
He added: “Over the next few days, mainly the highest temperatures will be in the southern and eastern parts of the UK. But I think as we go into the weekend and into next week, the heat is likely to spread across most of the UK.”
The Met Office defines a heat wave as when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures reaching or exceeding the heat wave temperature threshold.
The threshold varies by UK county.
On the four-level Heat and Health Alert Scale, which is designed to help health care workers cope with periods of extreme temperatures, Level 1 is the lowest warning and is the minimum watch status used during the months Of summer.
Level 2, called alert and preparedness, is activated as soon as there is a 60% risk that temperature thresholds will be reached in one or more regions for at least two consecutive days and the night in between.
The Alzheimer’s Society issued tips to help people with dementia stay safe in the heat.
He said dehydration is a common challenge for people with dementia, who can easily forget to drink enough water.
Family members and caregivers can help by keeping glasses or pitchers of water within easy reach, sharing a drink with the person, leaving reminders to drink, and providing foods with a high water content.
Chief Executive Kate Lee said: “As temperatures rise this week, we urge families and carers to monitor those with dementia to ensure they stay hydrated, wear light clothing and stay out of direct sun.
“Stop by to see a neighbor, friend or family member with dementia can help protect them and keep them safe during hot weather.”
