Heatwave to continue – until the end of the week brings downpours
TEMPERATURES ARE forecast to soar to a sizzling 36C this week before thunderstorms, hail and strong winds sweep across Yorkshire.
After weeks without rain, torrential downpours are forecast to hit parts of the UK on Friday, with as much as 30mm (an inch) expected to fall in just an hour.
The Met Office has issued a thunderstorm warning from Friday afternoon, covering the North and East of England, potentially giving some respite from the long run of hot weather.
However, the Met Office added that temperatures are likely to peak in the mid-30s tomorrow and on Friday as the heatwave continues.
In Yorkshire, the mercury is forecast to rise to at least 30C tomorrow. An amber “heat health watch” warning remains in place for parts of England, with people being urged to try to stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm.
Nurses have warned that some hospital wards have reached more than 30C, leading to patients and relatives passing out or vomiting.
The Society of Acute Medicine has also raised concerns about patients and staff in overheated hospitals. The Local Government Association said social workers, community wardens and maintenance staff are all on high alert to identify those who could be struggling in the heat.
And pet owners have been urged to avoid exercising their dogs and other animals in the hottest parts of the day due to the risk of burnt paws on scorching pavements, as well as the chance of heatstroke.
UK homes need to be prepared for a future of more heatwaves as temperatures rise, the Government’s climate advisers have warned.
The Committee on Climate Change has repeated its call for new standards on heat risks for new homes, while action is also needed to keep existing houses cool and create more green space in cities to prevent urban overheating, it said.