UK issues heat warning amid sweltering conditions

United Kingdom's Met office has issued extreme heat weather warning as sweltering conditions have continued for several days in parts of the country.

Amber is the second-highest level in the system, behind the top level red.
Amber is the second-highest level in the system, behind the top level red. Photo courtesy: geograph.org.uk

The amber warning will last until midnight tomorrow with temperatures expected to drop on Friday.

The warning has been applied to South Wales, West Midlands, southwest England and further east into Hampshire as far as the Isle of Wight.

Public Health England (PHE) has also issued a heat-health alert, advising people to stay out of the sun, drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol and physical exertion during the hottest parts of the day.

It also warned that some heat-sensitive systems and equipment may fail, leading to power cuts.

The Met Office launched its new extreme heat warning system this June to highlight potential widespread disruption and adverse health effects. 

Amber is the second-highest level in the system, behind the top level red.

It came as the PHE recorded 2,256 excess all-cause deaths in England during the three periods officially classed as "heatwaves" last summer – the highest number since its records began in 2004.