30C RED ALERT
» Heatwave is here... and it’s getting warmer » Have fun but warning to stay safe
HEATWAVE health warnings were issued as the UK baked in the sun yesterday – with Monday’s temperatures expected to soar even higher across the country.
The long-awaited mini-heatwave finally hit with East Yorkshire sizzling at 29.4C, as Britons soaked up the sun on beaches and in parks.
Experts predict we are now at the start of days of scorching heat, making us swelter more than holiday hotspots such as St Tropez and Marbella.
With temperatures likely to hit 27C today, 29C on Sunday and then 32C on Monday and Tuesday, health watchdogs fear for the vulnerable.
The UK Health Security Agency have issued a Level 3 heat-health alert, from Monday until Friday.
It covers the East and South East of England, including London – and warns us to look out for older people, young children, babies and those with underlying health conditions. It also urges us
to close the curtains in rooms that face the sun, drink plenty of fluids, avoid too much alcohol, dress appropriately and slow down when it is hot.
The UK last experienced a heatwave three weeks ago, with June 17 the hottest day of the year so far when 32.7C was recorded at Santon Downham, Norfolk.
The hottest official temperature ever recorded in Britain was 38.7C at Cambridge Botanic Garden in July 2019. That beat a record of 38.5C set in August 2003 at Faversham in Kent.
Northern Ireland had its hottest day of 2022 so far on Thursday, with highs of 23.5C. Scotland could see highs of 23C in the next few days.
Yesterday, Met Office deputy chief meteorologist David Oliver said: “Many can expect temperatures in the mid to high 20s Celsius over the weekend and then in the low 30s Celsius during the start of next week. Much of next week will remain warm for the time of year as well as dry and sunny for many areas.”
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection for UKHSA, said: “We want everyone to enjoy the hot weather, but also to check in on vulnerable family, friends and neighbours to make sure they are prepared for the warm conditions ahead.”
People with circulation, lung or heart problems are often particularly at risk in a heatwave. Heatstroke is caused by the body overheating and can be extremely dangerous and even life-threatening.
The Alzheimer’s Society also issued advice to help people with dementia stay safe, saying they can easily forget to drink enough water.
Kate Lee, the organisation’s chief executive, said: “Popping round to check on a neighbour, friend or family member with dementia can keep them safe during the hot weather.”
In the summer of 2020, there were 2,500 deaths in England due to hot weather, while heatrelated deaths in the UK could treble in 30 years due to climate change, the British Red Cross predicts.
There were also safety warnings for those hoping to keep cool by the sea.
Sam Hughes, of the RNLI, said: “We would encourage you to visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.”
The Local Government Association said that last year 277 people died from accidental drowning.