The Met Office has issued an amber warning for the North East as “exceptionally high temperatures” could bring “population-wide adverse health effects.”
An amber warning is currently in place for much of North Yorkshire and some parts of the North East.
Widespread impacts on people and infrastructure are expected as the UK is set to see the hottest day ever, with temperatures as high as 40c for some areas predicted.
The amber warning for extreme heat is in place all day on Sunday, July 17 and warns of potential illness due to the high temperatures.
Most of North Yorkshire and parts of Middlesbrough fall under the warning as well as most of southern England, however, this does not mean that other areas escape the extreme weather.
A spokesperson for the Met Office said: "The Met Office National Severe Weather Warning Service (NSWWS) warns of the potential impacts caused by severe weather and the likelihood of those impacts occurring.
"This does not mean that areas outside the warning area will not see severe weather"
Population-wide “adverse health effects” are likely, and the forecaster has warned that “substantial changes in working practices and daily routines” are likely to be required.
Significantly more people will likely visit coastal areas, lakes and rivers leading to an increased risk of water safety incidents.
Delays on roads and road closures could also be possible, along with delays and cancellations to rail and air travel.
What will the weather be like today and this week before the warning?
This week the North East is set for a record-breaking heatwave, with many already seeing scorching temperatures today.
Currently in Darlington temperatures have reached 27c, with them likely to rise until 28c by the time we reach 5pm.
For the rest of the week, temperatures aren’t set to be as high until we reach Sunday, July 17, a day which could be the hottest day ever in the UK.
According to WXCharts, however, the high temperatures aren’t expected to dissipate as we move into Monday, July 18.
Temperatures could be even higher next Monday with temperatures reaching as high as 33c in the North East.
--------
Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
You can also follow our dedicated Teesside Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.
For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.
Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here