Britain braces for 'hottest day of the year so far' TODAY

Britain braces for ‘hottest day of the year so far’ TODAY which could see temperatures soar to 91F as health warning comes into force, with young and elderly warned to keep out of the sun and experts warning of up to 2,000 extra deaths due to the heat

  • Met Office says there is around a 30 per cent chance that temperatures could rise to 104F (40C) this weekend
  • Forecaster has advised residents across Britain to stay in the shade and drink plenty during latest heatwave
  • Comes after sunseekers headed to parks and beaches on Sunday as spell of sweltering hot weather continued
  • Met Office officials have issued a Level 3 Heat-Health alert until Friday highlighting health impacts of heat
  • Experts warned parents to not let children stay out in the sun, and for people to use high-factor sun-cream

Parts of Britain are set to be hotter than Hawaii today as temperatures are expected to reach 91F (33C) – as the heatwave is set to continue the rest of the week amid a health alert warning ‘thousands of deaths’. 

Sunseekers will enjoy tropical temperatures across the UK on Monday as high pressure continues to dominate the UK’s scorching weather pattern.

The mercury will hit 91F (33C) across London and southern England while parts of the north will see lower temperatures of around 77F (25C).

Parts of the country will be hotter than some of the world’s top beach destinations, including areas in Hawaii, Jamaica, the Maldives and the Bahamas, with the hot weather set to last until the weekend. 

A level 3 heat-health alert remains in place advising Britons to stay inside during the middle of the day, drink extra fluids and take extra care of young children as the UK prepares for the ‘hottest day of the year’. 

The current record was set at Cambridge University’s Botanic Garden on July 15, 2019, when temperatures reached 102F (38.7C).

Professor Mike Tipton, the extreme environments research group at Portsmouth University, warned there are extreme health issues that can arise from high temperatures and claimed Britain could see nearly 2,000 extra deaths due to the intense heat. 

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme, he said: ‘You get an increased likelihood of blood clotting and cardiac problems because of the extra strain heat puts on the body. 

‘We’ll see anything between 1,000 – 2,000 excess deaths due to the heat over heatwaves and the vast majority of those are in the elderly.’

Forecasters have warned a record breaking 106F (41C) will be on the cards by the weekend as 

It comes after sunseekers headed to parks and beaches across the UK on Sunday as Britain’s recent spell of sweltering hot weather saw parts of the country even hotter than Hawaii as temperatures soared to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29.5C). 

Met Office forecaster Greg Dewhurst said: ‘High pressure is going to dominate tomorrow, with lots of sunshine, particularly in England and Wales. 

‘In Scotland and Northern Ireland it will be somewhat hazy at times with thick cloud moving in from the north-west, possibly bringing some rain at times. 

‘But for most of us it will be a dry and sunny day, well into the high 20s from the morning, with central, southern and eastern parts of England to possibly see maximum highs of 33C. 

‘So it’s very possible tomorrow will be the hottest day of the year so far, it will certainly be on par with the existing record, maybe more. 

‘It will also be very warm overnight going into Tuesday, remaining in the low 20s in cities, so many may experience an uncomfortable night.’ 

A heat-health alert has been issued for some parts of the UK this week, with those in affected areas advised to shade or cover windows and check on the vulnerable and the elderly. The hot spell looks set to subside later in the week, when a cold front is expected to start pushing in. 

However, Mr Dewhurst said temperatures will remain in the mid-to-high 20s until the end of the week. 

Sunseekers will enjoy tropical temperatures across the UK on Monday as high pressure continues to dominate the UK’s scorching weather pattern. Pictured: Fiery skies are seen in Dunsden, Oxfordshire this morning

This morning’s sunrise brought with it volcanic, fiery skies at daybreak on what is set to be another hot day

A bather soaks in the sun on the Bournemouth coast in Dorset on Sunday amid the UK heatwave – set to get even hotter next week 

A daredevil ‘tombstoning’ beachgoer leaps off the rocks in to the sea at Durdle Door in Dorset yesterrday

Crowds of Brits headed to the beach in Bournemouth, Dorset to enjoy the hot temperatures on Sunday

 

People crowded onto the beach at Weymouth in the south-west of England as temperatures soared to 85 degrees Fahrenheit on Sunday

Families made the most of the water and sunshine as some parts of the country were hotter than Hawaii and holiday resorts yesterday afternoon

People in King’s Cross, London watched the Wimbledon men’s singles final in style as Novak Djokovic beat Nick Kyrgios yesterday

Pictured: Britons canoe along the Chichester Canal near to Hunston in West Sussex on Sunday

Andrew and Rosie Elms, owners of Lordington Lavender in West Sussex, inspect the rows of lavender on their farm near Chichester on Sunday 

Pictured: Sunseekers head to the seaside at in Bournemouth, Dorset to enjoy the hot temperatures on Sunday

Pictured: Runners were out early this morning enjoying the sunny weather as they ran around Hyde Park in London 

Pictured: A gentleman cools off with a morning swim in London’s Hyde Park on Sunday 

The couple inspected the fields of lavender ahead of their open week which runs from the 11th to the 17th July. Lordington Lavender was established in 2002 by farmer Andrew Elms looking at a new way to diversify – and during lockdown a further five acres was planted, doubling coverage to 10 acres.

Pictured: A stand-up boarder and their dog paddle in the Portland harbour on Sunday morning

Pictured: The beach is packed as sunbathers and visitors flock to Durdle Door in Dorset to enjoy the scorching hot sunshine during the heatwave yesterday

Stand-up boarders are see in the Portland harbour on Sunday morning as Britain experiences sweltering temperatures on Sunday

Horse riders cool off and make a splash in the Portland harbour on Sunday 

Pictured: A group of ramblers look out over Chesil Beach in Portland on Sunday morning 

Boy, 16, dies after getting into difficulty while swimming in abandoned Wigan quarry 

Emergency crews recovered the body of a 16-year-old boy from Dawber Delph, Appley Bridge

A 16-year-old boy has died after getting into difficulty in the water filling an abandoned quarry in Wigan. 

The teenager went into the water yesterday, at Dawber Delph, Appley Bridge, with emergency crews recovering his body following a search.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service were called out alongside police and ambulance crews to search for the boy in the water.

He was pronounced dead soon afterwards, with his next of kin informed.    

A spokesperson for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said: ‘Three fire engines, a boat and the drone team were deployed.

‘Tragically the casualty died at the scene. Our thoughts are with their loved ones.’

The teenager’s death is not being treated by police as suspicious, with a file due to be passed on to the coroner.

On social media, people expressed their sympathies for the boy’s family.

‘This is just so awful and sad. Deepest sympathy to his family,’ one person wrote.

Another added: ‘Rest in peace young man, thoughts are with his family at this heartbreaking time.’

‘So sad, heartbreaking for his family and friends,’ another person wrote. 

In 2015, Miracle Godson, a promising 13-year-old rugby player died after entering the quarry’s waters and getting into difficulty.

Craig Croston, 17, drowned at the quarry in 1999.  

Mr Dewhurst told MailOnline: ‘Tuesday will see the risk of a few showers across the north of the UK and slightly lower temperatures of 19-25C. It will remain hot with sunny spells in the south with highs of 27-33C.

‘Wednesday , Thursday and Friday will see a mixture of sunny spells, but the risk of showers in the north too. Temperatures 20-23C in the north and 24-28C in the south.

‘Over the weekend, the it looks set to be mainly dry and sunny and temperatures could rise back into the low to mid 30’s.’

Temperatures in the UK surpassed top European holiday destination such as St Tropez, Marbella and Santorini – with the country maintaining the consistent run of hot weather this week.

Families crowded Bournemouth beach in Dorset on Sunday as they arrived in their favourite swimwear and were armed with parasols to protect them from the increasing temperatures.

Meanwhile, Andrew and Rosie Elms, the owners of Lordington Lavender in West Sussex, were pictured inspecting the purple flower rows on their farm near Chichester ahead of their open week which runs from the 11th until the 17th July. 

Lordington Lavender was established in 2002 by farmer Andrew Elms who doubled his coverage to 10 acres during lockdown.

Britons have been warned not to stay in the sun for long periods, particularly parents with their children, and to make sure they are covered in high-factor sun cream. 

A Level 3 heat-health Alert has been issued for this week by the Met Office, highlighting the potential health impacts of this type of weather. 

A level 2 alert has been issued for the South West, East Midlands, West Midlands, North West and Yorkshire and the Humber regions. 

The Level 3 alert covers the East of England, South East and London regions – and warns Britons to ‘look out for others, especially older people, young children and babies and those with underlying health conditions’.

It also urges people to ‘close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors’, and ‘drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol, dress appropriately for the weather and slow down when it is hot’. 

Level 3 is defined as ‘heatwave action’; Level 2 is ‘alert and readiness’.

The alerts will be in place from 9am on Monday until 9am on Friday. 

The highest temperature recorded in the UK so far this year was was 91F (32.7C) on June 17 in Heathrow, the Met Office said. 

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, David Oliver, said: ‘The warm weather over much of England and Wales could last for much of next week. In the short term, 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 this week will remain warm for the time of year as well as dry and sunny for many areas.’ 

Novak Djokovic warms up during a practice session at Wimbledon, as the London heat is set to reach 83F (28C)

People gather at the Scoop City Hall to watch the Mens Wimbledon Tennis Final between Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios

Pictured: The beach is packed as sunbathers and visitors flock to Durdle Door in Dorset to enjoy the scorching hot sunshine during the heatwave

Pictured: A daredevil tombstoning beachgoer leaps off the rocks in to the sea at Durdle Door in Dorset

Pictured: Sunseekers gather at the Scoop City Hall to watch the Men’s Wimbledon Tennis Final between Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios – the match is being shown on a big screen

Pictured: Londoners are pictured next to London Bridge at the Scoop City Hall to watch the Men’s Wimbledon Tennis Final between Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios

A Level 3 heat-health Alert has been issued for next week by the Met Office, highlighting the potential health impacts of this type of weather. Pictured: A stand up boarder is seen in Portland harbour

The highest temperature recorded in the UK so far this year was was 91F (32.7C) on June 17 in Heathrow, the Met Office said. Pictured: A woman sits on the edge of a bench overlooking Chesil Beach

Three acres of Lavender fields at Scottish Lavender Oils on Tarnhill Farm in Kinross, Scotland

The Met Office is urging Brits to wear protective sunglasses as UV levels rise alongside temperatures this week. 

Forecasters predict that UV levels will peak at level eight, referred to as ‘very high’ for the next three days.

Level eight is the highest level the UK usually reaches, with its peak at lunchtime.

‘UV can damage your eyes just like it damages your skin,’ Greg Dewhurst, Met Office senior meteorologist told the Telegraph. 

‘They have to be UV-protective sunglasses – the cheaper ones are usually not.’

He recommended wraparound glasses, as these stop the sun from entering at the side as well. 

The NHS advises Brits to choose ‘sunglasses with wraparound lenses or wide arms with the CE Mark and British Standard Mark 12312-1:2013 E’. 

A record-shattering 106F (41C) Saharan scorcher could be becoming to Britain this weekend, as a long-range weather computer is predicting a ‘Saharan heatwave’.

It predicted that air temperatures could rise to the peak temperature in London, with other areas in the south seeing temperatures in the high 30s to low 40s, likening western Europe to an extension of Saharan desert.

Long-range forecasting works by ‘modelling’ possible outcomes, with the 43C option being an extreme high.

While unlikely, weather experts said even the fact it is being suggested as physically possible is a worrying sign. Britain’s current high-temperature record is 101.6F (38.7C) in Cambridge in 2019. 

The extreme heat predicted for this week means that South West Water has called on customers to try to save five litres of water a day to maintain reservoir levels, admitting that pressure on supplies is building.

Lisa Gahan, the director responsible for water resources, said there had been no restrictions in the region since 1976 and ‘if we are careful we can have another year without any restrictions’.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UK Health Security Agency, said: ‘We want everyone to enjoy the hot weather when it arrives, but also to check in on their vulnerable family, friends and neighbours to make sure they are prepared for the warm conditions ahead.

‘High temperatures are predicted for a prolonged period, so make sure to follow our simple health advice to beat the heat, such as covering windows exposed to direct sunlight and making sure that fridges, freezers and fans are working properly.’  

Long-range weather computers have suggested that air temperatures could reach a sweltering 107.6F (42C) next Sunday

Long-range weather computers have suggested that air temperatures could rise to the peak temperature in London

Sam Hughes, National Water Safety Partner at the RNLI said, urged Brits to stay safe at the coast, when they’re cooling off.

‘If you are planning on going to the beach we would encourage you to visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.

‘If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live: lean back, use your arms and legs to stay afloat. Control your breathing, then call for help or swim to safety. In a coastal emergency, call 999 or 112 for the Coastguard.’ 

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