UK heads into fifth heatwave of the year

Parts of the UK could be heading into another heatwave from today, with temperatures possibly reaching the mid-30s in some places.

BBC Weather's Simon King says "bone dry conditions will continue for many", adding that temperatures could rise "as high as 35C" by the middle of this week.

A heatwave does not just mean one hot day. The Met Office says a heatwave happens when a place is hotter than normal for the time of year, for at least three days in a row.

The exact temperature needed depends on where you live, because some parts of the UK are usually warmer than others.

If weather forecasts are accurate for this week, it will mean the fifth heatwave of the year for many areas is confirmed, with the heat at its strongest and most widespread on Wednesday.

The UK Health Security Agency has issued amber Heat Health alerts for much of England until Friday evening.

An amber alert means the heat could affect people's health, especially older people and those with medical conditions. It can also put extra pressure on hospitals and care services.

The Environment Agency (EA) - the body that make sure people have enough clean water - says England has had seven weeks in a row with less than 10mm of rain, and several more areas could move into drought status next week.

A drought is when there has not been enough rain for a long time, so rivers, reservoirs and underground water supplies can get very low.

There are drought conditions in much of Wales and the South of England where more than 25 million people already have water restrictions, such as hosepipe bans.