A yellow heat health alert has been issued for parts of England by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
The alert is in place from this afternoon (Thursday, June 18) and will be in place until 8pm on Tuesday (June 23).
The warning is in place for the West Midlands - which includes Worcestershire - and East Midlands during the same period.
An amber warning will also affect London, the south-east, south-west, and east of England.
Rising temperatures are expected to reach heatwave levels, with 32C on Monday in Worcester followed by 30C on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Gregory Wolverson, deputy chief forecaster at the Met Office, said: "This week’s weather reflects a contrast we often see in summer, with more unsettled conditions passing to the north-west of the UK while heat builds in the south and east.
"As we move towards the weekend, we’ll see conditions become more widely settled and temperatures rise all round.
"Many parts of southern and eastern England are likely to see temperatures high enough to meet heatwave thresholds."
While temperatures in southern England soar, other parts of the UK are expected to remain cooler.
Glasgow, for example, will be eight or nine degrees cooler than London.
What is an amber heat health alert?
The alert system aims to provide an early warning to healthcare providers, the social care sector, voluntary organisations and Government departments that temperatures are likely to impact the health of the population.
The alerts – yellow, amber or red – depend on the level of impact expected.
Yellow alerts usually mean temperatures are unlikely to impact most people, but those who are particularly vulnerable may struggle to cope.
However, an amber alert would indicate the impact is expected to be felt across the whole of the health service, with the potential for the whole population to be at risk.
In these circumstances, a co-ordinated response from services is required.
What is a heatwave?
Heatwaves are defined as periods when daily maximum temperatures meet or exceed a set threshold for three consecutive days.
These thresholds range from 25C to 28C, depending on the region.
How to stay cool in summer in the UK
The NHS suggests staying out of the heat if possible, adding that it is best to stay shaded, particularly between 11am and 3pm.
It also recommends using sunscreen, wearing a hat and light clothes, and avoiding exercise or activity that makes you hotter.
To cool yourself down, have cold food and drinks and have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes.
It is also vital to keep your living space cool, closing windows during the day and opening them at night when it is cooler.
Is your area in the amber heat health alert? Let us know in the comments.
