The Met Office has said that a heatwave is on the way for much of the UK, particularly England and Wales.

Temperatures are likely to rise into the low-to-mid 30s in central and southern areas of the UK, it said.

However, this heatwave will not be as extreme as the heatwave in July, when new national records were set.

Commenting on the forecast, Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Tony Wardle said: “Heatwave criteria look likely to be met for large areas of the UK later this week, with the hottest areas expected in central and southern England and Wales on Friday and Saturday.

“Temperatures could peak at 35°, or even an isolated 36° on Saturday.

“Elsewhere will see temperatures widely into the high 20s and low 30s later this week as temperatures build day-on-day through the week due to an area of high pressure extending over much of the UK.

UKHSA heat warning map

“Coupled with the high daytime temperatures will be continued warm nights, with the mercury expected to drop to only around low 20s Celsius for some areas in the south.”

Complementing this forecast, the UK Health Security Agency (HSA) has issued a Level 3 Heat Health Alert for southern and central England.

The alert is in force from Tuesday (August 9) through to Saturday (August 13), with the UKHSA advising people to look out for vulnerable people, including older people, young children and those with underlying health conditions.

Agriland wishes to remind farmers and animal owners to look after animals during this period.

Although it may have been done during the last heatwave in July, it is no harm to once again check water troughs and clean them out.

Water intake from animals increases on warmer days, so ensuring troughs are working properly and that they have adequate water pressure is important.