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Brits pack out beaches and parks as temperature tops 30C for the first time this year
BRITS are flocking to beaches up and down the UK today to bask in the 30C heat.
Huge crowds have rushed to Britain’s coasts to cool off on the hottest day of the year so far.
Revellers nationwide have also been packing out green spaces as a Spanish plume finally brings in some summer sun.
Snaps from Brighton and Weymouth show hundreds of sweaty Brits packed onto the beach.
In London, heat has pushed sunbathers towards the capital’s parks where young people have been pouring bottles of water on themselves to keep cool.
Temperatures in the UK have reached 30C for the first time this year.
Saturday’s highest temperature was 30.5C, recorded at Heathrow, but a number of other areas across the South East have also hit 30C, the Met Office said.
Dan Stroud, meteorologist for the Met Office, said: “On Sunday there will be a little bit more cloud, temperatures down a smidgen, but still 28C or 29C, sparking off a few showers and thunderstorm warnings.
“Early next week will be a continuation of hot weather.
“Monday there will be thunder, showers, but then the weather will try and settle down on Tuesday and mid-week.
“But it will maintain this well-above-average temperature. Most of the UK will meet heatwave criteria.”
The Met Office added that temperatures are likely to reach 32C by the end of the day.
It comes as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued the first yellow warning for the year yesterday.
Six regions of the country are expected the be impacted with the alert being, which is in place until 9am on Tuesday.
The regions affected are London, East Midlands, West Midlands, east of England, South East and the South West.
The effect of the heat will “likely to be felt across the whole health service… and the wider population, not just the most vulnerable”.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at the UHSA, said: “In the coming days we are likely to experience our first sustained period of hot weather of the year so far, so it’s important that everyone ensures they keep hydrated and cool while enjoying the sun.
“Forecasted temperatures this week will primarily impact those over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
“If you have friends, family or neighbours who you know are more vulnerable to the effects of hot weather, it is important you check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice.”
The Met Office yesterday have also issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms – meaning there is a “small chance” homes and businesses could flood quickly.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
Flooding is expected in some parts as the downpour affects London, Bath, the West Midlands, part of the north of England and the whole of Wales.
Ways to keep yourself safe in the hot weather
Here are the ways in which you can keep yourself and others safe during periods of hot weather:
- Check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell, and if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you
- Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them
- Keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm
- If you are going to do a physical activity (for example exercise or walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler such as the morning or evening
- Keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
- If you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly
- Drink plenty of fluids and limit your alcohol intake
The Met Office said thundery showers may continue into Monday with conditions remaining hot and humid with plenty of sunny spells until midweek.
