Britain will become hotter than the Sahara desert.
The UK will be “simmered” in 31C heat today – before extreme temperatures break out on Monday and Tuesday.
A hot weather warning is now in place for almost all of England, from the south coast to Hartlepool and across east Wales.
This is before a red warning – meaning there is a risk to life – comes into force for two days from tomorrow, when unprecedented temperatures of more than 40°C could be seen in central England.
In fact, this is hotter than many parts of the Sahara desert will be.
Dry and hot weather is forecast for Wales, the Midlands, South East and South West England ahead of record heat.
Meanwhile, North West and North East England and Scotland are forecast to have a cloudy day with showers.
Highs of 25°C are forecast in northwest England, while the northeast and much of Scotland could see highs of 23°C.
Cabinet Office minister Kit Malthouse warned that transport services would face ‘significant disruption’ next week due to the heatwave and urged people not to travel.
He chaired an emergency Cobra meeting on Saturday after forecasters warned thousands of lives could be at risk.
About 2,500 people are believed to have died as a result of heat waves in 2020, according to experts.
Meanwhile, public services are also expected to be badly affected.
Mr Malthouse said: “Obviously transport providers are sending the message to people that they should only travel if they really need to on Monday and Tuesday.”
“Services will be significantly affected. The heat will affect the tracks, for example, so trains must run more slowly. There may be fewer services. People should be vigilant.”