Officials have declared a national emergency in parts of the United Kingdom after a red extreme heat warning was issued for the first time, as temperatures could hit 40C (104F).

It is reported that the Met Office’s highest warning covers an area including London, Manchester and York on Monday and Tuesday. It means there is a risk to life and daily routines will need to change.

Also read: Finding UK’s next UK Prime Minister: Contenders battle in 1st TV debate

Speed restrictions are likely on railway lines, some schools will close early and some hospital appointments will be cancelled.

On the roads, gritters are planning to spread sand to reduce melting, and the RAC has warned more drivers will need help as cars overheat.

Also read: Watch: Tiger Woods gets emotional in his final St. Andrews appearance

On top of the Met Office warning, the UK Health Security Agency issued its highest level four heat alert to health and care bodies – warning illness and death could occur “among the fit and healthy”.

On Friday, NHS leaders warned there would be greater demand for ambulances and patients could be at risk if left outside hospitals in emergency vehicles in hot weather.

Also read: Mo Farah Documentary: London Police open investigations after trafficking revelations

In a letter, the NHS leaders said that ambulances should not wait outside emergency departments more than 30 minutes before offloading patients.

It is the first time a red heat warning has been issued for parts of the UK, although the extreme heat warning system was only introduced in 2021.

Also read: Tim Westwood: All controversies around the British DJ

Downing Street said the alert was being treated as a national emergency. Officials met on Friday and will meet again during the weekend to discuss the response.

The weather at the start of next week is forecast to be warm across the UK but temperatures will be more like 30C in Scotland and Northern Ireland, rather than the high 30s predicted in parts of England and Wales.

The heatwave – originating in north Africa – is spreading across Europe and has fuelled wildfires in Portugal, France and Spain.