Warnings on BBQs, booze-ups & walking

BRITS are today set to swelter on the hottest day since records began.

And killjoy officials are trying to keep snowflakes safe by banning fun in the sun.

Temperatures could hit 39C with today being dubbed “furnace fryday”.

And we have been warned off booze, fags, barbecues and even walking as the heatwave grips the country.

Met Office chiefs have also warned there could be “intense thunderstorms” likely to result in flash flooding.

In areas that stay dry, fire officials fear barbies and smoking could spark wildfires.

Medical bosses have cautioned against boozing. Public Health England said: “Drink plenty of water as sugary, alcoholic and caffeinated drinks can make you more dehydrated.”

During the 2003 heatwave – when the current hottest day of 38.5C was recorded in Faversham, Kent, on August 10 – around 2,000 people more than usual died.

Brits have also been advised not to walk more than 18 minutes in one go over fears it could lead to foot blisters.

Yesterday was the hottest day of the year so far as temperatures hit 35C at London’s Heathrow Airport, the Met Office said.

Commuters suffered train hell when Greater Anglia cancelled services on their network.

The company was also criticised for leaving people stranded on a train in temperatures of over 40C for more than an hour.

A spokesman said: “We apologise for the delays.”

But millions are enjoying the sunshine weather.

Seaside resorts such as Margate, Kent, Scarborough, North Yorks, and St Ives, Cornwall, are enjoying an even greater surge in visitors than normal.

And bookings in Southend, Essex, have risen by 210% in July and August.

Oliver Berry, of Lonely Planet’s Guide to Great Britain, said: “It’s great to see that Brits are exploiting their own backyard.”

Meanwhile, it was revealed people are taking sanctuary from the heat in churches.

Father Tim Dawson of All Saints, Kettering, Northants, said: “Churches are cooler inside and in summer they’re lovely places to cool off.”

The Star Says: Page 6