Parts of the United Kingdom are set to experience scorching temperatures reaching up to 34C, surpassing popular vacation spots like Santorini and Barcelona.

Southern England will welcome “hot and very humid air” on Monday, with temperatures swiftly climbing into the mid-30s. This has prompted the issuance of yellow and amber heat health warnings for England by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

According to Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan, many areas in England and Wales will bask in abundant sunshine, leading to a rapid temperature surge under the strong August sun. Particularly in the southeast of England, the day is expected to become increasingly humid and very hot, with temperatures nearing the mid-30s.

Tuesday is predicted to bring tropical nights in the south, with temperatures staying above 20 degrees in certain locations. While parts of Northern Ireland and Scotland may see some rainfall on Monday, England and Wales are likely to remain mostly dry, with clear spells and a notably warmer night compared to the previous one.

Tomorrow, well-known holiday destinations such as Barcelona and Santorini are expected to have lower temperatures than parts of southern England, peaking at 30C and 26C respectively.

The East Midlands, East of England, London, and South East of England will be under an amber heat health warning from 9am tomorrow until 9am on Wednesday, indicating potential significant impacts on health and social care services due to the high temperatures.

This warning highlights the potential rise in fatalities, especially among the elderly and those with health conditions, as well as an increased strain on healthcare services, and overheating in indoor environments. Meanwhile, the North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, West Midlands, and South West regions are covered by a yellow heat health warning during the same period, signaling possible impacts on health and social care services.

The Met Office’s forecast for Monday mentions rain affecting much of Scotland, with some heavy downpours. Showers are expected in Northern Ireland and other western areas, while most of England and Wales will enjoy fine weather with hot sunshine, accompanied by humidity. Earlier this week, the Government declared half of England to be in a state of drought.

Seven areas, including East Anglia, Hertfordshire, London, Thames Valley, Hampshire & the Isle of Wight, Devon & Cornwall, the West Midlands, and Wessex, are experiencing drought conditions, along with the entire country of Wales.