Killer heatwave warning as temperatures soar to 97
Festival of mud at Glastonbury
THOUSANDS could die as a killer heatwave hits Britain over the next week, health experts warn.
A roasting plume from the Continent will send thermometers rocketing to 97F ( 36C) within days.
Temperatures hotter than Corfu, Florida and Hawaii threaten to melt road surfaces and buckle railway lines.
Health experts warned people to keep an eye on vulnerable friends and neighbours during the extreme heat, which could last into next weekend.
Records for the hottest ever July temperatures could topple with bookies slashing odds on Britain hitting 100F ( 38C). People with breathing and heart conditions in particular are advised to take extra care.
Malcolm Booth, chief executive of the National Federation of Occupational Pensioners, said very hot weather can be just as lethal as extreme cold.
He said: “Often the focus is on the cold weather which kills thousands but extreme heat can be just as dangerous.
“It is important to keep an eye on vulnerable friends and neighbours and to stay inside during the very hot weather.”
Thermometers will start to soar
Fon Monday as a swathe of roasting air sweeps in from northern France and Spain.
The mercury is forecast to rise steadily, hitting a near record 97F ( 36C) in the south by Thursday.
It will be slightly cooler elsewhere but even the far north is likely to see highs of 86F ( 30C).
Met Office forecaster Helen Chivers said: “It looks like heat will start to build across Iberia later this weekend and spread northwards across France. Highs across southern Britain are likely to reach the low 30s celsius with a chance of values in the mid 30s.” WELLIES were the must- have accessory at Glastonbury yesterday, which was hit by heavy downpours on its first full day.
Weather at the world’s largest music festival in Somerset lived up to tradition when showers drenched the 175,000- strong crowd.
The Charlatans kicked off the day with a surprise set at 11am. Among other acts performing to a muddy crowd – including Prince Harry’s ex Cressida Bonas – were the Proclaimers and Alabama Shakes.
Today’s weather is set to be the best of the weekend when US rapper Kanye West takes to the Pyramid Stage this evening.