Met Office issues Amber warning as extreme heat forecast for the East of England

Exceptionally high temperatures are possible this coming Sunday and Monday (July 17-18) which could lead to widespread impacts on people and infrastructure, the Met Office has warned.

It has issued an Amber warning for the East of England, including Cambridgeshire, reporting that adverse health effects - not just limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat - are likely to be experienced at the end of this week and early next. The extreme heat could lead to potential serious illness or even danger to life, it says.

Government advice is that 999 services should only be used in emergencies; seek advice from 111 if you need non-emergency health advice.

The Met Office said significantly more people are likely to visit coastal areas, lakes and rivers, leading to increased risk of water safety incidents, and delays on roads and road closures are also possible - along with delays and cancellations to rail and air travel.

[Read more: Cambridgeshire residents urged to take precautions amid heatwave]

Temperatures will rise again later this week and over the weekend, likely peaking on Sunday and Monday, but may last into Tuesday in places.

The Met Office is forecasting that it could reach 34C (93F) on Monday in Cambridge.