The heat wave is set to continue well into next week in Richmond, but there is a looming threat of "severe thunderstorms".

Temperatures are forecast to hit 35C on both Monday and Tuesday, and 34C on Wednesday.

In Richmond, wall-to-wall sunshine is forecast almost constantly until 3pm on Wednesday (August 12) when the weather will switch to five hours of thundery showers.

The extreme weather has seen the Met Office issue four thunderstorm warnings, running consecutively until 11.59pm on Thursday, August 13.

The Met Office said: "Some places are likely to see severe thunderstorms on Monday - but there is significant uncertainty in location and timing.

• There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes and large hail.
• Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to public transport.
• Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and increased chance of accidents.
• There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost
• There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life."

Deputy chief meteorologist Dan Harris said: "Whilst the extreme heat is likely to gradually decline through next week, we are also expecting the risk of thunderstorms to increase, with the potential for downpours of up to 80mm in just a few hours. On any particular day however, a lot of places will miss these altogether.

"We've issued a broad thunderstorm warning for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (and now Thursday) for all parts of the UK, since although the ingredients are there, it's just too early to pinpoint the details of exactly where and when thunderstorms will occur.

"As such, we will be monitoring the developing signals closely and I urge people to keep a close eye on Met Office warnings and forecasts over the coming days."

Stay cool and hydrated

An amber health warning regarding the scorching temperatures was issued last week and residents have been urged to check on isolated and elderly people they know.

Ishani Kar-Purkayastha of Public Health England said: "Many of us welcome warmer weather, but some people may find it more difficult to cope.

"People recovering from Covid-19 at home, those who are self-isolating, older people and people with underlying health conditions are all more vulnerable during hot weather.

"This summer, many of us are spending more time at home. A lot of homes can overheat, so it's important we continue to check on older people and those with underlying health conditions, particularly if they're living alone and may be socially isolated.

"If you need to provide direct care to someone at risk from hot weather, follow government guidance on how to do this safely.

"The most important advice is to ensure they stay hydrated, keep cool and know how to keep their homes cool."

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