Hot and getting hotter: health warning as UK sweats it out
A PUBLIC health warning has been issued as Britain swelters in a heatwave.
The mercury peaked at 89.4F (31.9C) at Hampton Water Works in Greater London today – warmer than Thailand – which made it the hottest June 18 since records began 167 years ago and forecasters estimate temperatures of 91F (33C) today.
The Government yesterday issued an amber heat health alert – one level below ‘national emergency’ status – warning people to avoid going out between 11am and 3pm this week.
Dr Thomas Waite from Public Health England, said: “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.”
A Met Office spokeswoman said: “We could see 33C on Monday, which we think would be the peak of the heat. There’s a small chance of it being even warmer later in the week.”
Lifeboat crews were dispatched more than 100 times over the weekend amid warnings against swimming in the sea. The RNLI says the sea is still deceptively chilly in June, and recommends only swimming on lifeguarded beaches between red and yellow flags.