I'm a weather expert - here's the exact temperature UK could be in real trouble

A weather expert has revealed there could be "real trouble" when conditions reach a searing 34C in the coming days. A heatwave is predicted to boil the country from tomorrow until at least Monday, with most of England seeing temperatures between 30 and 34C, as well as the high 20s expected in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Climate change watcher and weather forecaster Jim Dale said most temperature readings refer to the level in the shade without humidty as a factor, but he said if you "add in sunshine and higher humidities and anything over 27C in the shade will be a tipping point for some".

He told the Express: "I normally think of 30C as being a fair marker for more widespread impacts on health, plus 34 and we're heading for real trouble, especially if not taking appropriate cooling measures."

Mr Dale explained that the high temperatures could last until September, adding: "The records show that for particularly the first half of September joins the thread, it's the new summer month.

"There is no reason to think that we won't continue to see periodic pushes of high temperatures into the high 20s and low 30s.

"Will we see this (continuous heatwaves in the summer) in years to come, without a shadow of a doubt. We are in a climate change world, you can call it a climate change crisis."

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow Heat Health Alerts covering parts of central and southern England, valid from today until Monday, July 15.

According to the Met Office, a heatwave in the UK is officially defined when a location records at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold.

This threshold varies by county, reflecting the diverse climate across the United Kingdom.

The heatwave alert comes as Britain's maritime water rescue charity the RNLI issued advice for those heading to the beach this weekend. Ross Macleod, Water Safety Manager from the RNLI, says: "Even in hot weather, the seas around our coasts are cold enough year-round to trigger cold water shock, while waves and rip currents can overpower even the most experienced water users.

"Most people who find themselves in difficulty in water will panic or thrash about but we're urging people to ignore this instinct and remember to float: Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged. Relax and try to breathe normally. Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat if you need to.

"It's fine if your legs sink - we all float differently. By doing this, you give yourself the chance to rest and recover your breathing. Once you've regained control of your breathing, you can call for help or swim to safety.

"Heading to the coast is a great way to have fun, relax and cool off in these high temperatures, but remembering this one piece of advice could save your life if you find yourself struggling in water.

"We also encourage people to choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags, which is the area most closely monitored by the lifeguards."

Today:

Often cloudy with patchy drizzle across parts of northwest Scotland. Elsewhere, it will be mostly dry with plenty of strong sunshine. Some cloud at times, with a risk of an isolated shower developing across the southwest during the afternoon.

Tonight:

Remaining cloudy across northwest Scotland and parts of Northern Ireland, with some patchy drizzle. Dry elsewhere with clear spells and a few fog patches developing in the west. Feeling warm.

Thursday:

Cloudy in the north and west, with patchy drizzle at first. Dry for most, with sunny spells. Temperatures widely above average, becoming hot across parts of England and Wales.

Outlook for Friday to Sunday:

Cloudy and breezy in the northwest on Friday; otherwise, dry with plenty of sunshine. Becoming very warm or hot through the period with some uncomfortable warm nights by the weekend.