Searing 33C heatwave lasts EIGHT more days before ending with a bang as thunderstorms sweep across Britain

Britain’s searing heatwave will last for more than a week – before ending with a bang as thunderstorms roll in.

The country has been warmer than parts of the Maldives in recent days and mercury is set to rise again through the week.

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The Met Office has issued a yellow “Danger to Life” warning for Sunday, with “exceptionally high” temperatures likely.

A sweltering 24C is still expected in London at midnight that day.

A Cobra meeting was held yesterday as Government ministers drew up their first-ever heatwave emergency response and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a level three heat health alert for the South East.

It is also forecast that the weather will have an impact on the infrastructure.

Hampshire City Council has spreaders on standby in case roads melt, while a section of railway line at Battersea, London, burst into flames yesterday.

Network Rail has warned train journeys could be delayed as lines warp in the heat.

A series of blazes also swept across the Army’s Salisbury Plain Training Area on Monday – with firefighters unable to reach the blazes because of the danger of unexploded ordnance.

Bookmakers have lowered the odds of a possible hose pipe ban and water bosses have urged customers to wash less cars or spray lawns.

Forecasters say thunderstorms will sweep the country next week as temperatures finally drop.

But before that, Britons are being urged to exercise caution and keep an eye out for isolated neighbors and family members.

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Rebekah Sherwin said temperatures could peak at 33C today.

“The warm weather is likely to continue throughout the week, and it looks like it will increase later this week and early next week,” she said.

“Sunday through Monday, temperatures in the south east are likely to top 35C, although details remain uncertain.

“Elsewhere temperatures could be quite well above 32C in England and Wales and mid to high 20C further north.”

and dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and public health at UKHSA, said people should stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm.

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“Most of us can enjoy the hot weather when it arrives, but it’s important to stay hydrated and find shade if possible when the UV rays are at their strongest,” she said.

“If you have vulnerable family members, friends and neighbors, make sure they know how to protect themselves from the warm weather.”

Jim Dale, chief weather forecaster at British Weather Services, says the heatwave could fizzle out within the next week and a half.

He told Express.co.uk: “Possibly eight or nine days from now, when the heat collapses, thunderstorms will certainly bring temporary relief.

“The jury is still out on what’s next, but it’s not the end of summer yet.”

The heat will likely return in the first week of August.

In its longer-term forecast, the Met Office says: “After a period of more unsettled conditions for many areas, high pressure is likely to bring calmer weather to the south and south-west again.

“This may extend further across the UK and bring generally fair weather for most, but the North West will continue to see the bulk of all cloud and rain.

“Temperatures will likely be above average for most, particularly in the south, with the possibility of hotter temperatures across England and Wales.”

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