HEATWAVE SPARKS HEALTH WARNING
BRITAIN is on pollution alert ahead of what could be a record-breaking bank holiday temperature.
A sweltering plume from the Continent is set to send temperatures soaring to 86F (30C) on Saturday.
But the heat will trigger dangerously high ozone levels in some regions, experts have warned.
“Moderate” pollution will affect parts of Britain today before spreading across the country tomorrow and on Saturday, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
The warning comes as Britain prepares for what could be the warmest spring bank holiday on record.
The record temperature for May is 91F, set in 1922 in London, and recorded again in 1944 in Kent and Sussex.
A Defra spokesman said: “Air pollution levels should remain low across many parts through Thursday, though some areas of moderate pollution are likely, mainly in central and western parts.
“With high pressure across the country, areas of moderate pollution are likely until Sunday.”
Difficulties
Dr Penny Woods, of the British Lung Foundation, urged people with breathing difficulties to stay indoors during the hottest periods.
She said: “During very warm weather, people living with lung conditions may find high temperatures mean their symptoms get worse.
“This can be because of high ozone levels in the air.
“Near the ground, ozone is made by a chemical reaction between the sun’s rays and organic gases and oxides of nitrogen, emitted by cars, power and chemical plants, and other sources.
“For people with a lung condition, high ozone levels can make breathing difficult, causing wheezing and coughing. If you have a lung condition, keep out of the sun and avoid the heat.”
Kay Boycott, of Asthma UK, added: “Our research tells us that two-thirds of people with asthma find that air pollution makes their asthma worse, putting them at increased risk of a potentially life-threatening asthma attack.
“When people with asthma are in areas where air pollution levels are high it’s vital they check air pollution forecasts, carry their reliever inhaler with them at all times and have an up-to-date written asthma action plan so they know what to do if their symptoms worsen.”
A World Health Organisation spokesman said: “Excessive ozone in the air can have a marked effect on human health.”
Temperatures will continue to rise this week, with highs of 86F possible in the South on Saturday.
Elsewhere, the mercury will hit the late 70s and 80s as Britain bakes in the warmest weather since last September. Met Office forecaster Emma Sharples said: “It is looking very warm, with increasing amounts of sunshine over the next few days.
“Thursday is likely to be the warmest day of the year so far or, if not, certainly Friday, which is looking toasty and warm across the country. We expect high temperatures of about 78.8F to 84.2F in the run-up to the weekend, with 86F or possibly higher on Saturday.
“It is looking fresher into the start of next week, although still warm for the time of year.”