UK heatwave: Red extreme heat warning to take effect - live updates

The rare red weather warning affects London, parts of the Midlands, south-east Wales and southern England, and will be in place from 09:00 BST on Wednesday through to 21:00 BST on Thursday.

The Met Office says there is a risk of serious illness or danger to life in those impacted areas.

Loss of power and essential services like water are also likely, due to a greater risk of failure of heat-sensitive systems and equipment.

The Met Office also warns of delays on roads, trains and plains.

Temperatures are forecast to rise to around 37C or 38C in southern England, and a maximum of 39C on Wednesday is not out of the question.

Less severe amber weather warnings are also in place across much of southern and central England and most of Wales until the end of Thursday.