SUMMER’S GOT STING IN ITS TAIL
BRITAIN could be bombed by killer Asian hornets this week as temperatures hit 40C across Europe.
The giant striped stingers – which have been mating in the Channel Islands – thrive in hot weather.
Beekeepers have warned of a potential invasion of the deadly insects, which have killed five people in France after their powerful stings triggered anaphylactic shock.
The flying fiends can eat 50 honey bees a day and their jaws are strong enough to chew through protective clothing.
The National Bee Unit urges people who encounter them to get in touch after the first confirmed critter was captured in Felixstowe, Suffolk, in April.
A spokesman said: “Unsuspecting travellers could be bringing hidden Asian hornets into Britain in their vehicles and luggage, thus inadvertently releasing queen hornets that will hibernate and establish new nests here.”
It comes as Brits on holiday in Spain and Portugal have been warned of a raging heatwave that will push temperatures to a blistering 40C.
Forecasters say scorching heat is set to blitz the Costa del Sol this week with medical professionals warning holidaymakers and residents to take precautions.
Both the Balearic and Canary Islands will face some extremely hot weather, while Andalusia on Spain’s southern coast has been issued with a weather warning that will likely last until mid-September.
Aemet – Spain’s Met Office – stated: “The heat will be very intense on the mainland and in the Balearics at least until next Wednesday and it is not ruled out that it could extend for a couple of days.
“The intense heatwave is very rare for the month of June.”
● THIS week’s heatwave could cost Britain’s economy £1billion as up to 70% of workers are set to call in sick.
THIS country is a different place when the sun is out and temperatures rise.
Despite the cost-of-living crisis and the creaking NHS, there’s nothing like a 30C heatwave to cheer us all up.
Unfortunately, it also seems to be cheering up the Asian hornets, who love this weather for a bit of hanky-panky.
These invasive creatures – which are far worse than our native hornets and can even be deadly – are becoming more common in Britain.
Only a few have been seen on the mainland so far.
But experts in the Channel Islands warn it’s only a matter of time before a colony sets up a nest here.
Meanwhile, those of us who thought our energy bills would go down in this weather can think again.
Boffins say it’ll cost us another £60million using air conditioners to keep cool.
Sheesh – at this rate we may be better off with the usual combo of rain and lukewarm temperatures.
Where is the good old British weather when you need it?!