Met Office Steps Up Heat Warning For Britain


The Met Office has stepped up its heat warning - putting health services on high alert for casualties of scorching weather over the next two days.


Level three is the second highest alert on the Heat-Health Watch system and it has been issued for London and southeast England.

People flocked to parks and beaches on Tuesday as temperatures in the UK hit 31C - far hotter than Rio de Janeiro and Mexico City.

More record-breaking days are expected today and tomorrow, with temperatures expected to reach 32 degrees in some parts of the UK.

Wayne Elliott from The Met Office said: "There are four key things to try and remember during a heatwave.

"If possible stay out of the heat during the middle part of the day; cool yourself down; keep your environment cool and look out for others, especially older people, those living alone and babies and young children."

He added: "Heatwaves can be dangerous. Advice on how to reduce the risk, either for yourself or somebody you know, can be obtained from the NHS or your local pharmacist."

Experts said there is more good weather to come, but warned the long, hot days could lead to some heavy downpours.

Forecaster Helen Chivers said: "The seasonal forecast shows the hot sunshine will continue through July and August.

"But this does increase the chance of thunderstorms and heavy rain. We're predicting average rainfall this summer - warm and wet you could say."

Ms Chivers said the current heatwave will not last much longer, adding: "It is looking cooler at the weekend. But by cooler, I mean mid to high 20s, so by no means chilly."

It has been a steaming start to the summer, with average daytime temperatures in June hitting 17.9C, which is one degree above the average.

And the trend looks set to continue, with temperatures forecast to remain high for the rest of the summer which is good news for British tourism.


One in five people who usually travel abroad are considering holidaying in the UK this summer, which could bring in an extra £895m to the industry.

Elliott Frisby from VisitBritain said: "Tourism is vital to the UK's economy, so the sunshine could really help many struggling businesses get through the recession."

Holiday company Hoseasons has reported profits up by £1m as Brits ditch pricey euro destinations.

The industry is now working to ensure people holidaying in Britain this summer are encouraged to return next summer.

SKY NEWS

Temp warnings in the summer, temp warnings in the winter....

God help those effected if they where any further north or south - there'd be noone left

Some light reading from the Dept of Health.

We get a few days of hot weather and the country falls apart.