The UK may have its hottest day of the year so far, as temperatures are expected to top 30C today.

People in England and Wales will see a dry day with lots of sunshine, that may break this year’s previous temperature high of 31.9C in St James’s Park in central London on 19 July.

The Met Office’s chief meteorologist Frank Saunders said large swathes of the UK will feel the heat up in the middle of the week.

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“Temperatures are likely to peak at around 32C in southeast England on Tuesday and Wednesday, with much of the UK experiencing dry, fine and warm conditions in the first half of the week,” he said.

While the high temperatures will continue on Wednesday, there is a chance of summer thunderstorms in southern areas.

Thursday may develop into a more unsettled day with potentially strong thunderstorms at times. Friday should bring rain, which will move westward, the Met Office said.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow heat health warnings for all areas of England, except the North East and North West, until Friday.

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The agency warned that expected hot weather may have “significant impacts” on the health and social care sector across the South East and London.

But the soaring temperatures may not yet be considered a heatwave.

A location must record at least three consecutive days with maximum temperatures exceeding a designated value – 25C for most of the UK, rising to 28C in London and its surrounding area – to be considered a heatwave.

While some areas brace for the heat, Met Office deputy chief meteorologist David Oliver warned southern areas to prepare for a wild and wet end to the week.

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“There’s a chance of some thundery showers across some southern areas of England on Wednesday, then on Thursday there is a signal for some potentially very heavy thunderstorms to develop,” he said.

“There are still details to confirm during this period, but in any event there is a chance of some impacts on each day, especially Thursday.”

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He added: “The heaviest showers on Thursday could result in 20-30mm of rain within an hour, with daily totals possibly reaching as high as 90mm if multiple showers impact the same location. Lightning and hail present additional hazards, with disruption likely for some.

“This is a developing element of the forecast, so it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest outlook in the coming days.”

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