THE Met Office has extended its weather warning for extreme heat in Somerset into the next working week.

The weather forecaster had already issued an amber warning for extreme heat in Somerset and the greater South West area and most of England for Sunday (July 17).

Somerset County Gazette:

It now says we can expect even hotter weather on Monday (July 18).

Locally temperatures will be in the high 20degs C at the weekend and into Monday, possibly rising into the 30s.

The amber warning means the high temperatures "could lead to widespread impacts on people and infrastructure".

Here's what the Met Office tells us to expect:

  • population-wide adverse health effects are likely to be experienced, not limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat, leading to potential serious illness or danger to life. Government advice is that 999 services should be used in emergencies only; seek advice from 111 if you need non-emergency health advice.
  • substantial changes in working practices and daily routines likely to be required.
  • significantly more people are likely to visit coastal areas, lakes and rivers leading to increased risk of water safety incidents
  • delays on roads and road closures are possible, along with delays and cancellations to rail and air travel, with potential for significant welfare issues for those who experience even moderate delays.