Heatwave to continue with mercury set to soar to 33C

Britain's heatwave shows no signs of abating, with the mercury set to rise to a scorching 33C (91.4F) later in the week.

Parts of the UK are currently hotter than Athens in Greece, and on a par with Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and Rio in Brazil.

Temperatures peaked on Monday at 30.1C (86.2F) in Hampton in west London, with all of the UK enjoying a rain-free sunny start to the week.

The Met Office's heat-health watch alert is currently at level two, meaning social and healthcare services are at the ready to reduce harm from a potential heatwave.

Police have urged people to be careful of the temptation to swim in open water in the hot weather.

Surrey Police said: "With the warm weather, we are reminding people of the dangers of swimming in open water."

The warning came after the body of a man was recovered from a lake in Nutfield on Monday.

A search for a missing child at Westport Lake in Stoke-on-Trent resumed on Tuesday morning, after emergency services were called on Monday to reports that three children were in distress in the water.

Two of the children are safe and well, Staffordshire Police said.

Dr Thomas Waite of Public Health England urged people to keep in mind those who may be vulnerable, including the elderly, young children and those with underlying health conditions for whom he said "the summer heat can bring real health risks".

He added: "That's why we're urging everyone to keep an eye on those you know who may be at risk this summer.

"If you're able, ask if your friends, family or neighbours need any support."

Merseyside is likely to enjoy the hottest weather on Tuesday, the Met Office said, with highs of 31C (87.8F) forecast.

Temperatures are set to rise, with a possible high of 33C (91.4F) on Thursday, meteorologist Alex Burkill said, soaring above the UK average for this time of year of 17.3C (63.1F).

The fine, hot weather looks set to continue into next month, he added.

"At the moment it looks like that will be the general theme through much of July," he said.

"Generally it looks like it will stay drier and warmer than average."

Network Rail's extreme weather action teams are being activated across the country to monitor "vulnerable locations".

Services on the London Waterloo to New Malden line are being subjected to speed restrictions from 11am each day until Friday.

Network Rail said hot weather can cause the steel on rail lines to expand and in some cases buckle (curve), causing travel disruption.

Slower trains exert lower forces on the track, reducing the likelihood of buckling.

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