POLL: Do you find 30C too hot as UK prepares for heatwave?

Temperatures across the UK are set to soar to 30C and above this week, as the country basks in a heatwave ushered in by warm air from continental Europe. The mercury is set to begin rising on Wednesday and Thursday, when southern regions hit up to 29C, with an area of high pressure spreading across eastern regions and as far north as the Midlands by the weekend.

The hot weather could peak on Sunday when southeastern areas reach highs of 33C, according to the Met Office - but while the hot and sunny weather will kick off summer in style for some, others may not be as welcoming of the balmy forecasts. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued five-day yellow health alerts for most of England, lasting from Wednesday to Sunday, warning that the high temperatures could cause a rise in deaths, especially among those aged over-65 or with existing health conditions.

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The UKHSA also said the heatwave could have a minor impact on UK health and social services, including an increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people and an increased likelihood of indoor environments becoming overheated.

"The rising temperatures this week are a combination of several factors," Tony Wisson, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office said.

"Over the next few days, settled weather and warm sunshine will allow temperatures to rise day on day. Temperatures will then rise further towards the end of the week as winds turn more southerly.

"We could very well see several places exceeding 30C, which will be the highest temperatures of the year so far."

Mr Wisson added that the warmest temperatures will be recorded in London and the east of England, but heatwave thresholds could also be reached in the Midlands, low-lying areas near the Peak District and parts of east Wales.