Met Office upgrades amber weather warning across the UK as heatwave sweeps the ... trends now
A heat health warning for parts of England has been upgraded from yellow to amber by the UK Health Security Agency.
It comes as temperatures are expected to hit 30C - making it hotter than Marbella, Ibiza and Tenerife - and some thunderstorms are also expected.
The initial alert was issued on Wednesday for six regions of England, London, the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, South East and South West.
On Thursday the warning was escalated for the West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England, South East and South West.
The amber level means the impact of the weather is 'likely to be felt across the whole health service... and the wider population, not just the most vulnerable'.
The UKHSA further issued a yellow alert for the North East, North West and Yorkshire and Humber regions.
All alerts are in place between 9am on Friday and 9am on Monday June 12.
Sunseekers have packed out Britain's beauty spots to bathe in 24C sunshine while revellers flock to Download music festival ahead of a 30C this weekend.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Met Office's warning covers six regions in England, London, the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, South East and South West, and is in place from 9am on Friday until Monday morning.
Parts of the country are predicted to be hotter than Marbella, Ibiza and Tenerife over the weekend as a 'plume of warm air' moves in from the south.
Revellers have been seen basking in the sun as they arrive at Download Festival, in Castle Donnington, while sunbathers were seen in Green Park, London. There were also people packing out beaches and lidos in Dorset.
Cloud, rain and thunderstorms are also set to sweep in, with the nights becoming humid.
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms on Saturday afternoon, covering an area that covers all of Wales, Manchester and down to London.
LONDON: Sunbathers lying on the grass in Green Park today
DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL: Revellers pose for a photo at the festival in Castle Donnington
A 30C heatwave forecast to scorch England and Wales this weekend may also feature thunderstorms
DORSET: Jake Mowbray and Ella Bowden cool off at Shaftesbury Lido
The warning, which is in place from 2pm to 9pm, states: 'Whilst many places will be largely dry, thunderstorms with heavy rain and hail are likely to develop in some places on Saturday afternoon.'
There will 'likely' be some impacts across the health and social care sector if forecasted temperatures are reached, the UKHSA said, with over-65s and those with pre-existing health conditions most at risk.
Dr Agostinho Sousa from the UKHSA said: 'In the coming days we are likely to experience our first sustained period of hot weather of the year so far, so it's important that everyone ensures they keep hydrated and cool while enjoying the sun.
If forecasts are correct then it is 'likely that there could be some impacts across UK
'Forecasted temperatures this week will primarily impact those over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
'If you have friends, family or neighbours who you know are more vulnerable to the effects of hot weather, it is important you check in on them.
'You should ensure they are aware of the
