IT’S GOING TO BE A SIZZLER!

But docs warn it can be deadly

BRITAIN will “melt” in a blistering 30C heatwave this week.

As the nation sizzles in temperatures hotter than Hawaii experts fear the soaring heat will lead to hundreds of deaths.

And skiving Brits pulling sickies to enjoy the sun could cost the economy £1billion.

British Weather Services forecaster Jim Dale declared: “It’s high summer – the UK will melt.”

Government weathermen said hot air is arriving from regions including the Sahara, heated further by 42C highs in southern France and Spain.

The thermometer will hit a sizzling 25C today and rise to 30C plus during the week.

Beach lovers will bask in glorious sunshine – with 150,000 expected in Brighton alone, and a cool half a million sun seekers set to pour into Cornwall.

Businesses should expect a boost. Nigel Bishop from the Guild of Travel and Tourism says rocketing temperatures are “very good news for seaside resorts and day trips to other attractions will also increase”.

The blast of heat isn’t good news for everyone though, as the heat could lead to many deaths in coming days.

Doctors say hot weather is potentially lethal for vulnerable groups including the elderly, the sick and babies as their bodies suffer heat stress. According to the Office of National Statistics, there were 2,000 more deaths than usual last month when highs hit 30C.

National Federation of Occupational Pensioners chief Malcolm Booth is gravely worried about the “risk of further alarming death statistics”.

He warned: “People should keep cool, stay hydrated and stay indoors between 11am and 3pm in hot temperatures.”

And with the rocketing temperatures, “sick days” are also set to soar this week.

The extreme heat is set to break from Wednesday, with the Met Office’s Chris Page warning of humidity and “heavy” thunderstorms and the thermometer sliding to 23C from Thursday.

There is also a “risk of scattered thunderstorms later in the week”.