“Exceptional” and “perhaps record-breaking temperatures” are likely on Monday and Tuesday (July 18 and 19).

The Met Office has issued a red warning of extreme heat for the south of England.

The warning will be in place from Monday, July 18 to 11.59pm on Tuesday, July 19.

On those days, according to this Met Office map, an amber warning will be in place for Somerset.

The Met Office said “an exceptional hot spell on Monday and Tuesday leading to widespread impacts on people and infrastructure”.
 

“Exceptional, perhaps record-breaking, temperatures are likely on Monday, then again on Tuesday.

"Nights are also likely to be exceptionally warm for the UK, especially in urban areas.

"This is likely to lead to widespread impacts on people and infrastructure. Temperatures are expected to drop away from Wednesday onwards,” their update also added.

Here is what to expect according to the forecast:

  • Population-wide adverse health effects experienced, not limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat, leading to serious illness or danger to life. Government advice is that 999 services should be used in emergencies only; seek advice from 111 if you need non-emergency health advice;
  • Substantial changes in working practices and daily routines will be required;
  • High risk of failure of heat-sensitive systems and equipment, potentially leading to localised loss of power and other essential services, such as water or mobile phone services;
  • Significantly more people visiting coastal areas, lakes, and rivers, leading to an increased risk of water safety incidents;
  • Delays on roads and road closures, along with delays and cancellations to rail and air travel, with significant welfare issues for those who experience even moderate delays.

For more information, visit the Met Office website here.

Somerset County Council's gritters will be mobilised to treat ‘melting’ road surfaces.