A “short but quite intense” spell of hot weather is set to hit the UK over the next few days, with temperatures forecast to reach 31C in London.

Warm air will move up from Europe on Saturday and through Sunday and Monday, before temperatures dip again on Tuesday to average levels for this time of year.

The yellow heat health alert is issued for London from 9am on Sunday (August 11) to 9am on Tuesday (August 13).

Met Office spokeswoman Nicky Maxey said: “The hot spell is short-lived but quite intense.”

She added: “Temperatures are due to peak on Monday and rapidly return to average on Tuesday and Wednesday.”

Much of the country will be cloudy and humid on Saturday morning, with the north seeing brighter spells and light showers.

The clouds will clear up throughout the day with warmer air moving in on Saturday evening.

Sunday and Monday are expected to be the warmest days, with highs expected to reach 31C in London High temperatures could significantly impact health and social care, likely increasing mortality, especially among those 65+ and those with health conditions.

Demand for remote healthcare may rise, and care settings may exceed safe temperature thresholds, affecting both service delivery and vulnerable individuals in overheated environments.

The high temperatures will see a rise in pollen count throughout the country along with high UV levels.

The Met Office recommends covering up during midday hours and wearing sunscreen.

According to Ms Maxey, it is not unusual to see short spells of warm weather and this is not considered a heatwave as temperatures need to reach above a certain threshold for three consecutive days in order to meet the criteria.

Forecast in full

This Evening and Tonight:

A mostly cloudy evening and night with outbreaks of mostly light rain or drizzle spreading eastward. Windy for much of the night, easing a little by morning. Minimum temperature 17 °C.

Friday:

Morning cloud, patchy rain and showers will clear to the east to become largely dry, bright and sunny for most by midday Friday. Breezy. Maximum temperature 27 °C.

Outlook for Saturday to Monday:

Early cloud and rain clearing Saturday to sunny spells and isolated showers. Mostly dry but becoming hot or very hot and humid on Sunday and Monday.