UK Heatwave Alert Issued By Met Office

As the UK experiences its hottest week of the year so far, temperatures across the country are set to approach 30 degrees over the next few days.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for heatwave conditions between Tuesday morning and Thursday evening. They predict an 80% chance of heatwave temperatures with pollen and UV levels being very high.

Earlier in the day St James’s Park, London officially recorded the UK’s hottest day of the year so far, at 29.4 Celsius.

In Derbyshire temperatures are likely to reach around 27 degrees in the day and 15 degrees during the night.

Dr Thomas Waite, a public health consultant at PHE, said: “Much of the advice on beating the heat is common sense and for many people spells of warmer weather are something they very much enjoy.

He added: “For some people, such as older people, those with underlying health conditions and those with young children, the summer heat can bring real health risks. That’s why we’re urging everyone to keep an eye on those you know who may be at risk this summer. If you’re able, ask if your friends, family or neighbours need any support.”

The PHE (Public Health England) gives the following top tips for staying safe when the heat arrives:

• look out for others, especially older people, young children and babies and those with underlying health conditions
• close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
• drink plenty of water as sugary, alcoholic and caffeinated drinks can make you more dehydrated
• never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
• try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm
• take care and follow local safety advice, if you are going into the water to cool down
• walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat, if you have to go out in the heat
• avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day
• wear light, loose fitting cotton clothes
• make sure you take water with you, if you are travelling

More advice on what to do during a heatwave can be found on the NHS’ website here. They also have detailed advice on what to do if you are suffering from heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

How long will the good weather last?

Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Jason Kelly, has said on the Met office website: “With high pressure firmly in charge, the warm and dry weather is here to stay until at least the end of June and although it is still some way off, we could be looking at similar conditions continuing into the start of July.”