SUMMER’S BACK...
90F BLAST OF HEAT ON WAY
BRITAIN was on a heatwave health alert last night after warnings that temperatures will soar to 90F (32C) from today.
A plume of hot air is sweeping in from Spain bringing potentially dangerous conditions for elderly and vulnerable people.
The high temperatures are forecast to last until Thursday, prompting the Met Office and Public Health England to issue a level-2 heat health alert.
Warnings come into force when temperatures hit 86F (30C) by day, without falling below 59F (15C) at night.
The South is expected to see 86F today while tomorrow and Thursday are likely to be even hotter.
The North will be cooler, with temperatures struggling to get much above 64F (18C) and 68F later in the week.
Experts urged people to watch out for vulnerable friends and neighbours. Malcolm Booth, of the National Federation of Occupational Pensioners, said: “The elderly and vulnerable should follow NHS guidelines.
“These are cold drinks, stay indoors between 11am and 3pm, wear loose clothing and use the coolest rooms in the house.
“We all need to check on our relatives, friends and neighbours to ensure they are OK.”
Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: “The importance of staying cool in hot weather cannot be overstated for older people, particularly if they have breathing problems or a heart condition.”
Britain looks set to be hotter than Los Angeles or Hawaii. But rapidly rising temperatures may trigger violent thunderstorms.
Met Office forecaster Alex Burkill said: “We are dragging warm air in from the south and we could see highs of 30C.
“Thursday will bring a thundery breakdown, with temperatures normal for the time of year.”
James Madden, of Exacta Weather, predicted highs of 91F (33C), with many places “hot and humid.” He added that the fine and settled weather could last into next month.
Netweather forecaster Matt Hugo said severe heat and humidity will mostly be restricted to southern England.
Ladbrokes are offering 4/5 on 30C in the UK this week and Coral have odds of 5/1 on this year’s top temperature so far of 92F (33.5C) being beaten.
Ladbrokes spokeswoman Jessica Bridge said: “It’s better late than never this summer.”