The Met Office has issued a UK-wide amber weather warning for extreme heat and it covers most of Lancashire.

The ‘danger to life’ weather warning will be in place all day on Sunday, July 17, and covers all parts of Lancashire apart from the coast around Blackpool, Fleetwood and Thornton.

This is after temperatures are set to reach highs of 27°C in some parts of the region as a heatwave hits the UK.

In Blackburn with Darwen, temperatures are expected to soar to 25°C with cloudy skies and sunny intervals in the forecast.

What to expect with an amber warning for extreme heat

According to the Met Office, we can expect “exceptionally high temperatures” on Sunday which could lead to “widespread impacts on people and infrastructure”.

This is what to expect:

  • Population-wide adverse health effects are likely to be experienced, not limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat, leading to potential serious illness or danger to life. Government advice is that 999 services should be used in emergencies only; seek advice from 111 if you need non-emergency health advice.
  • Substantial changes in working practices and daily routines likely to be required
  • Significantly more people are likely to visit coastal areas, lakes and rivers leading to increased risk of water safety incidents
  • Delays on roads and road closures are possible, along with delays and cancellations to rail and air travel, with potential for significant welfare issues for those who experience even moderate delays

Across parts of East Lancashire, temperatures are set to reach highs of 26°C today before turning cooler in the week and ramping back up at the weekend.

Light rain showers are predicted in Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley and Ribble Valley on Friday.

While many people will be looking forward to enjoying a weekend in the sunshine, people are reminded to take precautions to avoid becoming unwell in the extreme heat by remaining adequately hydrated, wearing sun cream and applying it regularly, seeking shade during peak times for heat and sun, and keeping young children and pets cool.