It might finally be too hot
For the third day in a row, the UK has recorded its hottest day on record with temperatures soaring to 30.3C at Heathrow and showing signs of climbing further as the day progresses.
This beats Thursday’s previous record of 29.5C which was recorded at Northolt in West London but as the mercury continues to rise, experts warn that thunder storms could appear across the weekend as they issue advice on how to beat the heat in the meantime.
Some experts believe that areas of the UK could experience weather that’s warmer than the Sahara Desert today – however, they’ve also warned that it’s due to come to an abrupt halt.
Forecasters, Sky News reports, believe that temperatures could begin to plummet as soon as this weekend, returning to the teens for some areas of the UK across Saturday and Sunday. That said, the same experts believe that the summer sun could linger in London and the South.
This recent spell of sunshine is all thanks to a ridge of high pressure weather that has been building across Western Europe, blocking Atlantic air from moving in to cool it down. As a result, we’re all caught in the midst of a heatwave so balmy, a heat health alert has been issued for some parts of the country – but not all of it.
Following this news, a slew of advice and guidance has been issued to help ensure people are prepared for any issues this warm weather might bring.
The RAC has advised drivers in the South to check their oil and car coolant levels before setting off on long trips and also to stay hydrated in order to maintain adequate concentration levels whilst driving.
Meanwhile, authorities have offered a range of tips and tricks that can help you to stay cool as temperatures reach their peak.
While drinking plenty of water topped most advice lists, other hacks such as putting your pyjamas in the freezer during the day to ensure a cool and comfortable night’s sleep and keeping pets in the shade have also been suggested.
Bad news for those looking to ride out the hot weather in the comfort of a beer garden though, as experts have warned against drinking excess alcohol in the intense heat, as well as too many teas and coffees.
As the Met Office issued a Level 3 Heat Health alert across London, the East and South East of England, it also offered this advice: “Look out for others, especially older people, young children and babies and those with underlying health conditions.
“Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
“Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol, dress appropriately for the weather and slow down when it is hot.”
Related links:
- UK weather: Met Office issues three-day heat alert as temperatures are set to rocket to 34C
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- The View hosts slam Jubilee and the UK for food, weather and colonial history
