UK weather latest: Britain could see hottest day in recorded history this week, as forecasters predict another month of heat

Councils urge public to check on elderly neighbours and those in ill health

The UK may be on track to record its highest ever temperature in the coming days, with forecasters predicting the blisteringly hot weather to continue for another 30 days.

Heatwave conditions will see the mercury in some areas top 30C all week and forecasters believe there is a chance – albeit a relatively slim one – that a new record may be set.

Britain’s highest ever temperature was 38.5C, recorded near Faversham in Kent in 2003. But the Met Office said today there was a 20 per cent chance that figure could be eclipsed on Friday.

A slightly greater chance, of 30 per cent, existed of beating the hottest ever July day. Heathrow Airport saw thermometers hit 36.7C three years ago.

“If we did break the record, it would be on Friday,” meteorologist Mark Wilson told The Independent.

And long-range forecasts suggested the above-average heat may continue for another month, he said. Any respite from thunderstorms or showers would not last long.

“Early signs are that the next 30 days will remain drier, sunnier and hotter than average, although there may be some more unsettled, short-lived spells,” Mr Wilson added, while warning that the further into the future a forecast looked, the lower the confidence in its predictions.

Sweltering conditions in recent weeks have turned fields brown, ripened wild berries months earlier than normal and precipitated an amber-level heat health warning, with people urged to stay in the shade.

Social workers are on high alert to check on people having difficulties in the heat, council leaders said.

But the Local Government Association (LGA) also urged the public to check on vulnerable or elderly neighbours, family or friends, warning that the elderly and those suffering from heart and respiratory problems were most at risk.

Social workers, community wardens and maintenance staff were all on high alert to identify those who could be struggling, it said.

Council workers will be making calls and extra visits to people at risk, but the LGA also urged the public to keep an eye on people vulnerable to heat.

Izzi Seccombe, chair of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: “The hundreds of deaths caused by high temperatures each year are avoidable.

“Councils are determined to reduce the toll as much as possible, but they cannot do it alone.

“Local people can make a massive difference by helping us identify other residents who might need some advice or practical help.

“No one is immune to the power of the sun.”

Additional reporting by PA