Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Not hot enough? Wrap up warm in fur-lined coats!
As Canterbury basked in near-record heatwave conditions this week, one store was unveiling its fur-lined winter coats range.
While sun-seekers across the district searched for their shorts and sandals, staff at Marks and Spencer’s were putting out quilted jackets more fitting for a frosty November night.
The store in St George’s Street also launched its festive food range as part of the retail giant’s “Christmas in Summer” initiative.
The culinary delights – which will hit stores in October – were unveiled at a press launch as temperatures were expected to peak for the region at more than 35C (95F).
One shopper said: “I couldn’t believe it when I saw the fur-lined coats. I had to do a double-take.
“It was about 30 degrees outside and they were trying to sell thick winter coats.
“I know it’s good to be prepared, but I can’t see how anyone would be thinking about buying a new coat in this weather – unless they spend their summer holidays in the Arctic.”
An M&S spokesman said: “We offer a wide range of products for our customers, and as part of this we have year- round lines of coats and jackets.
“Our current range features lightweight jackets, some with removable hoods, which give an extra layer of warmth on cool summer evenings.”
Temperatures may come close to the record held by Brogdale near Faversham, which reached 38.5C (101.3F) in 2003.
According to some forecasts, extreme humidity could see figures within the region reaching as high as 40C (104F).
The NHS and the Met Office have issued health warnings about how to deal with scorching summer conditions,.
Weather expert Nathan Rao, a former Kent Messenger news editor, forecast that Canterbury and the east Kent area was set for a sustained spell of high tem- peratures for the next two weeks. He said: “East Kent could be heading towards one of the hottest spells of heatwave weather on record.
“Kent traditionally records some of the highest temperatures of the summer and this week could see records topple. With two weeks of warm weather on the way, expect the beaches and parks to be packed.”
The Met Office warned that higher temperatures could be dangerous to health and urged caution for those spending an extended period of time outdoors. Dr Paul Cosford, director for health protection at Public Health England, offered advice on handling temperatures. He said: “Older people and those with long-term illnesses are particularly vulnerable to the effects of very hot weather, so it’s important to look out for them, help them stay hydrated with plenty of cool drinks, and keep indoor areas as cool as possible. “Try to keep bedroom and living spaces cool by closing the curtains on windows that receive the sun and open your windows at cooler times of the day and overnight.
“A trip to a park where there’s lots of shade or a public building that is air conditioned may help offer some relief from the heat for vulnerable people.”