Britain is expected to be hit by a heat wave over the weekend, with temperatures likely to reach 30ºC by mid-next week.
Much of the UK experienced the sun on Thursday, with temperatures reaching 25 ºC, and forecasters say mercury could hit 35 ºC in mid-July.
The warm season is expected to continue for much of next week and the following weekend, especially in the south of England, and a level 2 heat health alert has been issued for the southern areas. and the east.
“We are at the start of a period of warm weather in much of England and Wales that could last much of next week,” said Met Office deputy chief meteorologist David Oliver.
“In the short term, many can expect temperatures between 20ºC and 20ºC over the weekend, and then around 30ºC during the start of next week. Much of next week will remain warm for the time of year. year, as well as dry and sunny “.
The forecast prompted warnings to take additional precautions. Matthew Killick, director of crisis response and community resilience at the British Red Cross, said: “We’re all looking forward to enjoying warm weather this summer, but it’s important to remember that heat can be very dangerous, especially for children. elderly people and people with underlying health problems.
“Climate change means we are experiencing longer and more intense heat waves, but a worrying number of people are unaware of the risks surrounding heat. In England alone there were more than 2,500 excess deaths in the summer of 2020 and “Unfortunately, heat – related deaths in the UK are projected to triple in 30 years.”
The RNLI urged people to stay safe if they visit beaches during the heat wave. Sam Hughes, the charity’s national water safety partner, said: “It’s great to hear that the sun is on its way, but we want to remind everyone to stay safe on the coast. If you plan to go to the beach, you we encourage you to visit a lifeguard beach and swim among the red and yellow flags “.