UK weather maps show 'killer' 41C heat blast just 21 miles from Britain

Britain is on high alert as a killer heat blast surges across Europe, with weather maps showing a sweltering 41C hotspot just 21 miles from the south coast.

New charts from WX Charts reveal the extreme heat creeping dangerously close to UK shores, with Calais in northern France forecast to hit a blistering 41C on 9 July. The brutal continental heatwave is set to spill into southern England, triggering searing temperatures of up to 38C across large parts of the country.

The latest WXCharts maps show vast swathes of red and burgundy stretching from the south coast through the Midlands, with London, Luton, Reading and Birmingham all set to roast in 36C to 37C heat. Stoke, Oxford and parts of East Anglia are forecast similar highs, while Manchester and Liverpool could hit 35C.

Even Newcastle will not escape the swelter, with 31C on the cards. Cardiff and Plymouth are also expected to see 33C and 31C respectively. Only Northern Ireland, Scotland and parts of the west of Wales will remain relatively cool, staying in the low-to-mid 20s.

It comes after several deadly heatwaves in recent years. In 2022, more than 3,000 excess deaths in England and Wales were linked to extreme heat, sparking renewed concern over the UK's preparedness.

Experts are urging people to take precautions, warning that such intense heat can be life-threatening. Extreme heat can cause heat exhaustion and heatstroke, as well as complicating pre-existing health conditions. Hydration, shade and checking on vulnerable neighbours remain top public health advice. The Met Office has not yet issued formal warnings.

This Evening and Tonight:

Rain spreading into western areas through this evening and overnight, heavy over hills. Thundery showers also perhaps moving across southeast England. Dry elsewhere, with clear spells. Warm and humid, especially in the south and southeast.

Thursday:

Rain, heavy over the hills, moving eastwards through the morning. Drier and brighter weather moving in from the west for the afternoon, with sunny spells for many. Feeling fresher.

Outlook for Friday to Sunday:

Wet and windy weather is likely in the northwest Friday. Drier towards the southeast. Mostly dry through the weekend, with sunny spells. Turning very warm for some, especially southeastern parts.