A WEATHER warning issued by the Met Office says there is a potential “danger to life” - with temperatures likely to rise further in the coming days.

The rare amber warning means there is the possibility of travel delays, road and rail closures, power cuts - and even potential risk to life and property.

It will come into place at midnight on Sunday and is due to end at 11.59pm the same day.

However, the Met Office have said that an update to extend the warning into Monday, July 18, is "likely."

The warning has been issued for much of England and Wales, including Sussex.

The Argus: The amber warning will come into place at midnight on Sunday and is due to end at 11.59pm the same day The amber warning will come into place at midnight on Sunday and is due to end at 11.59pm the same day

Temperatures have never reached 40C in the UK, but forecast computer models have shown it could be possible for mid-July for the first time ever.

According to the latest modelling, large parts of the South East could also hit 39C.

On Monday, Met Office forecaster Simon Partridge said: “At the moment, we are looking at a 30 per cent chance of seeing the hottest temperature recorded in the UK.”

The warmest day on record in the UK was 38.7C, recorded at Cambridge Botanic Garden in July 2019.

England’s hottest day so far this year remains the 32.7C, recorded at Santon Downham, in Suffolk, on June 17.

Network Rail has warned speed restrictions are likely to be in place this week on some parts of the network most affected by the hot weather.

Fire services in Sussex have urged people to have picnics instead of barbecues during the warm weather after a spate of grass fires.

The AA Driving School and RAC meanwhile said motorists should carry water with them, start their journeys earlier in the day, plan their routes and check their vehicles before setting off.