England could experience the hottest day of the year this weekend– for the second time in a week – as the ongoing heatwave continues to break all records.

The Met Office says six days of heat above 30C is also on the cards for many areas – the first time this will have ever happened in September – if the late summer spell continues into Saturday and Sunday as forecast.

While the official heatwave criteria has been met by most of England since temperatures began rocketing at the start of the week – the weather is expected to yet again peak between 32C and 33C in southern areas over the next 24 to 48 hours.

On Thursday the Met Office recorded a temperature of 32.6C in Surrey – the hottest day of the year so far.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Steven Ramsdale said: “High pressure is situated to the southeast of the UK, which is bringing more settled conditions and temperatures well above average for the time of year.

“While the highest temperatures are expected in the south, heatwave conditions have already been met for much of England and Wales, with parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland also likely to continue to see some unseasonably high temperatures.”

Daytime temperatures for the time of year have been off the scale but England is also experiencing some extremely warm evenings too.

The highest UK overnight temperature for September on record in 21.7C but this too could be threatened in the next couple of nights say forecasters.

Amber alert remains in place

The UK Health Security Agency, which provides alerts for the health and social care sector, earlier this week upgraded its yellow heat health alert to an amber warning – highlighting the increased risk such sustained high temperatures can pose to vulnerable people.

While the Met Office has held off issuing an Extreme Heat Warning of its own, agencies from health trusts to the British Veterinary Association are warning people to be mindful of the dangers while enjoying the last drops of summer.

Dr Justine Shotton, Senior Vice President or the British Veterinary Association, said: “We may be past the peak summer months but it’s important to remember that this September sun and heat is also dangerous for animals.

Pets can be extremely susceptible to heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke, and can also suffer sunburn, heart conditions and breathing difficulties, many of which can sadly be fatal.”

Next week’s forecast

While there is a risk of thunderstorms in some central UK areas on Saturday afternoon, most of England will enjoy a hot and sunny weekend, say forecasters.

However, change is on the cards from early next week.

A return to a westerly weather system, says the Met Office, is expected which will bring a mix of sunshine and showers. Temperatures too, will return towards something more average for the time of year.