BRITS are set to pack out beaches across the country today with temperatures set to soar to glorious highs of 29C.
Met Office officials expect the balmy weather to continue over the weekend, with heatwave conditions “likely”.
BNPSScorching hot summer sunshine on the golden sands in Bournemouth yesterday[/caption]
Met OfficeBrits are set to bask in sizzling highs of 29C today[/caption]
Vagner VidalPeople relax in the sun on the first day of the Royal Ascot 2025[/caption]
On Tuesday, sun-seekers were seen lapping up the rays on Bournemouth beach, while revellers lounged on the grass at Royal Ascot.
Similar scenes are expected across the country today, with bikini-ready Brits set to soak in highs of 29C in London and 25C in Wales.
Forecasters predict that those living in the East of England will likely see the highest temps.
The mercury in many parts of the UK will range between 25C and 30C later this week, but the capital could see temperatures reach as high as 33C.
Meanwhile, the Met Office has said heatwave conditions are “likely” this weekend.
A heatwave in the UK is met when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days, with temperature values meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature thresholds.
Across the north and west of the UK this is 25C, and across Greater London and the Home Counties, 28C.
The UK’s June temperature record stands at 35.6C, which was set in Southampton in 1976.
Current forecasts suggest the record is unlikely to be broken this time – but it will come close.
England and Wales will see temps in the low 30s and those in Scotland and Northern Ireland will see mid or high 20s.
It will get hotter as the week goes on, with the scorching temperatures peaking on Sunday.
A yellow heat health alert has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for seven regions of the country.
The following areas will be under the alert between midday on Thursday and 6pm on Sunday: Yorkshire and The Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, East England, the South East, the South West and London.
A yellow alert is the lowest, behind amber and red, on the UKHSA’s system, but warns of a possible rise in deaths among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions.
5-day forecast
Today:
After a grey start in places, England and Wales will have a dry day with very warm sunshine. Cloudier across Scotland and Northern Ireland with showers at first and patchy rain arriving in the west by late afternoon.
Thursday:
Rain in the north will steadily clear northwards. Elsewhere dry with sunny spells, but the odd isolated shower in the far southwest later. A little breezier, but still very warm.
Friday to Sunday:
High pressure will give most areas plenty of dry and settled weather with very warm or hot sunshine. However, some showers are possible in the west, which could turn thundery.
Shutterstock EditorialA man walking with a dog in the bright morning sunshine on Wimbledon Common[/caption]
EPAPeople sit on deckchairs during warm weather and sunshine at Victoria Embankment Gardens in London, on June 16[/caption]
The UKHSA added an increase in demand for health services by vulnerable people is also likely.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: “Our findings shows that even moderate heat can result in serious health outcomes, especially for older adults, and it is therefore important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.”
He added that for people with vulnerable family, friends, and neighbours, it’s important to check in on them and ensure they’re aware of the forecasts – and are following he necessary advice.
Almost all the affected areas have been given a risk score of 10 out of a possible 16, which indicates “significant impacts are possible” due to the high temperatures.
The main risks posed by a very hot weather are dehydration (not drinking enough water) and overheating, which can make symptoms worse for people who already have problems with their heart of breathing.
The London Fire Brigade has also warned that the scorching weather will increase the risk of wildfires.
A little rain has been forecast throughout the period, and there may be some isolated thunderstorms on Saturday and Sunday.
High temperatures are expected to fizzle out into next week, but southern parts of the UK may remain very warm.
Shutterstock EditorialPeople relaxing in the warm sunshine in Green Park as temperatures rise[/caption]
LNPOffice workers enjoy the warm sunshine in St James’s Park in London[/caption]
How to stay safe in hot weather
WHILE many people enjoy warmer summer weather, hot weather can cause some people to become unwell through overheating (becoming uncomfortably hot), dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Remember the following tips if you want to stay safe:
keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm
if you are going to do a physical activity (for example exercise or walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler such as the morning or evening
keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
if you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, seek shade and apply sunscreen
drink plenty of fluids and limit your alcohol intake
check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell, and if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you
know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them
Heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats and cannot cool down. Heat exhaustion does not usually need emergency medical attention if you cool down within 30 minutes. If you do not take action to cool down, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke.
Common symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
tiredness
weakness
feeling faint
headache
muscle cramps
feeling or being sick
heavy sweating
intense third
Heatstroke is where the body is no longer able to cool down and the body temperature becomes dangerously high.
Common symptoms of heatstroke include:
confusion
lack of co-ordination
fast heartbeat
fast breathing or shortness of breath
hot skin that is not sweating
seizures
Heatstroke is a medical emergency. If you think someone has heatstroke you should dial 999 and then try to cool them down.
Source: GOV.UK
Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
