Health alerts extended as heatwave and drought go on

...but storms hit Scotland and N Ireland

- By Charlie Bradley

HEAT health alerts were extended into next week for much of England yesterday as the hot weather shows no sign of cooling.

The UK Health Security Agency said yellow warnings will now be in place until Monday, meaning significant impacts are possible across health and social care services.

The alert affects Yorkshire and the Humber, the East and West Midlands, London, the South East, the South West and the East of England.

But it is a different story in Scotland and Northern Ireland, where warnings are being issued for thunderstorms.

Officials have said England is suffering from "nationally significant" water shortfalls.