The Met Office has issued a rare amber weather warning for extreme heat across parts of England on Thursday, with temperatures potentially reaching 38C. This warning, which is in effect from 0900 BST until 2359 BST, highlights the peak of the summer's latest heatwave.

The highest temperatures are expected in the east, south-east, and the Midlands of England. The Met Office's amber warning signifies that the extreme heat could lead to significant impacts on transportation networks, essential infrastructure, and public health.

If the forecast 38C is reached, it would match the highest temperature recorded this year, which occurred on June 26th in Lingwood, Norfolk. The previous August record above 36C was 36.4C, set in 2020 at Heathrow and Kew Gardens.

This extreme heat warning follows the issuance of amber heat health alerts by the UK's Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which are currently active across most of England. These alerts warn of potential threats to health from prolonged hot temperatures and are in place until Friday evening.

The UKHSA anticipates significant impacts on social and healthcare systems, including a potential rise in mortality. While the North East of England has a less intense yellow alert, the rest of England is under amber alerts. This situation develops as drought officials have confirmed that 71.3% of England is now officially in drought.

This summer has seen consistently above-average temperatures. By Wednesday, heat is expected to intensify and become more widespread, with temperatures exceeding 30C across a large swathe of England and extending into parts of northern England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The Midlands and south-east England are predicted to see the warmest conditions.

By Thursday and Friday, the extreme heat is most likely to affect the Midlands, eastern, and south-east England. Overnight temperatures are also expected to remain unseasonably high, offering little respite from the heat.

Experts advise that the public should be aware of the risks associated with extreme heat, including heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions, are particularly at risk during such heatwaves.