Another heatwave is heading to the UK – exacerbating dry conditions that have already led to hosepipe bans in some parts of the country.

Although temperatures will remain lower than the record-breaking highs of 40.3C (105F) seen last month, this latest hot spell is expected to last much longer.

High pressure building across the UK could lead to temperatures of 35C (95F) – and the heatwave is expected to peak on Friday or Saturday.

Britons are now being urged not to host barbecues in the tinder-dry conditions, with fears fireworks and sky lanterns could spark “large-scale” fires in parched areas.

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On Saturday, 15 homes were evacuated after a garden fire got spread of control in Essex – with “multiple gardens, sheds and outbuildings” destroyed and a dozen properties damaged.

About 40 people fled their homes, and seven required treatment for injuries and smoke inhalation.

Another heatwave brewing for parts of UK next week, forecasters say

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Neil Fenwick, area manager for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, said: “While summer weather usually provides the perfect opportunity to host a barbecue or gather around a chiminea in the evening, we’re strongly discouraging people from having any kinds of fires at the moment.”

The whole of England and Wales is set to feel the effects of the heatwave as high pressure builds – “with sunny and very warm if not hot” conditions in Scotland and Northern Ireland as the weekend nears.

Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan said: “It does look like a prolonged period of dry weather and obviously that’s bad news for southern England where some rain would really be useful now.”

While there’s uncertainty about which areas will see the highest temperatures, early forecasts suggest they could be found in the West Midlands and the West Country.

Mr Morgan says heatwave criteria are likely to be met across the UK – potentially putting strain on the NHS as the most vulnerable suffer heat-related problems.

“We’re quite confident temperatures will not go as high as they did during July, but the difference is that this is going to be quite a prolonged period of temperatures in the low 30s, so it will be very notable nonetheless,” he added.

Advice to prevent becoming overheated includes closing curtains and windows during the day, and staying out of the midday sun.

Over the weekend, Environment Secretary George Eustice “strongly urged” water companies across the UK to enforce hosepipe bans.

At present, people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are subject to temporary restrictions of their energy use – with similar rules coming into force across Sussex, Kent and Pembrokeshire later this month.

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