'EXTREMELY unusual' temperatures will hit Cumbria over the next few days.

The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for Cumbria and the first ever red weather warning for parts of the North West. The hottest days are predicted to be on Monday and Tuesday with temperatures hitting 30 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. 

Amber weather warnings indicate 'an increased likelihood of impacts from severe weather, which could potentially disrupt plans' and the 'possibility of travel delays, road and rail closures, power cuts and the potential risk to life and property.'

Red weather warnings indicate 'dangerous weather and taking action now to keep yourself and others safe from the impact of the severe weather' with 'a very likely risk to life.' 

Annie Shuttleworth, a meteorologist for the Met Office, said: "These are extremely unusual temperatures for Cumbria. We are expecting some very hot days. There will be train delays as lower speed limits will have to be put in place. 

"If people are spending those days walking out in the Lakes it is going to be extremely hot. Don't walk in the exposed sunshine, stay in the shade. If you're going swimming, follow water safety guidance.

"We are expecting some hot days and some very warm nights as well." 

In other parts of the UK, temperatures are expected to exceed 37 degrees celsius, and there is a 50 per cent chance of 40 degrees celsius heat, likely along the A1 corridor. 

The Met Office warned of a 'very serious situation' as it issued its first red warning for extreme heat, which includes parts of the North West.

The UK's record temperature of 38.7 degrees celsius was set in Cambridge in 2019, with the Met Office indicating an 80 per cent chance of somewhere in the UK breaking that. 

Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said that a red warning for extreme heat means that: "At this level, illness and death may occur among the fit and healthy, and not just in high-risk groups.

"This is potentially a very serious situation."