Scots on alert for hottest day EVER
The heat is on – and could beat sizzling 91F record set in 2003
SCOTS are braced for their hottest day ever this week as forecasters predict temperatures could soar past the previous record set nearly two decades ago.
The mercury in some parts of Scotland could even rise beyond the 91F (32.9C) seen during the searing heatwave of 2003.
Across the UK, a national emergency has been declared ahead of the hot spell, with warnings that lives could be lost even among those deemed fit and healthy, not only those in high-risk groups.
Some parts of England are forecast to swelter in unprecedented temperatures of up to 106F (41C) tomorrow – hotter than Delhi and the Sahara Desert and double the average summer high.
Even sunset won’t bring relief, as parts of the UK are also predicted to experience the highest ever night-time temperature tomorrow at 86F (30C) – hotter than Casablanca during the day.
The Met Office said temperatures north of the Border will rise from today, peaking on Tuesday, with a chance that the record high, set at Greycrook in Roxburghshire, could be broken.
The Scottish Government’s emergency committee has met to discuss the ‘potential impacts’ and
‘Skip the walk and take part in enrichment activities at home’
says people should ‘stay indoors or shaded’ while the sun is at its hottest between 11am and 3pm.
They urged people to ‘drink cool fluids’ and avoid ‘extreme physical exertion’. National water shortages are also feared and advice has been issued on conserving supplies.
Met Office forecaster Becky Mitchell said yesterday: ‘Temperatures for Tuesday are still uncertain and the current high is forecast at around 31C, although it could be hotter than that.
‘Scotland’s record hottest temperature is 32.9C set in the heatwave back in 2003 and there is a chance we could get temperatures around that on Tuesday, depending on how far the heat travels northwards. There is potential for Tuesday to be Scotland’s hottest day ever.’
As well as the possibility of the national record being broken, local temperature records could also fall, said Ms Mitchell.
The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for parts of southern Scotland this week and Ministers said last night the warning could be extended to other parts of Scotland.
Forecasters warn there may be some adverse health effects for people vulnerable to extreme heat, such as children and the elderly.
The public have been warned to watch out for sunburn or heat exhaustion. Authorities said there is also a possible risk of power cuts due to failures in heat-sensitive systems and equipment. With more people likely to visit coastal areas, lakes and rivers, there could also be an increased risk of incidents near water.
The Scottish SPCA issued animal safety advice, stating: ‘Only walk dogs early in the morning or late at night if it’s cool enough and never leave them in a hot car as they can overheat and pass away in minutes. If in doubt, skip the walk and take part in “enrichment” activities at home instead.’
Justice Secretary Keith Brown, the Scottish Government’s lead Minister for resilience, said: ‘Our resilience arrangements have been activated and stand ready at all times to coordinate a response to severe weather issues where required.’
He added: ‘When temperatures increase, it’s important to monitor forecasts and follow public health advice, including staying hydrated and avoiding excess alcohol.’