The recent blazing temperatures in the UK are set to linger into the start of the school summer break, according to forecasters.
Saturday was the hottest day of the year so far and the hottest July day since 2006, with the mercury peaking at 31.9C (89.4F) in Southampton.
The hot spell of weather will last into next weekend when many primary and secondary schools will have finished for the year and the six-week summer holiday will stretch ahead.
On Sunday temperatures will dip slightly but are still likely to top 30C (86F) in England and Wales, particularly in the south.
Temperatures for the rest of the week will range between the mid to high 20s, with the exception of Wednesday which could top 32C.
Gareth Harvey, forecaster for the MeteoGroup, said on Sunday: "Today is going to be another hot day, not quite as hot as yesterday but a few places will see 30C. There will be a bit of cloud across eastern areas and a few sharp showers in the south-east but it will still be very pleasant. It will be cooler in Northern Ireland and Scotland, where it only reached 24C (75.2F) yesterday."
The heatwave has prompted warnings from health authorities urging the public to take care in the potentially dangerous conditions.
Retailers and supermarket giants reported booming sales figures as the soaring heat saw shoppers spend thousands on the high street and in an online blitz on barbecues, food, sunscreen and garden furniture.
Asda said sales of barbecues had risen 204% in the past two weeks, with charcoal and fuel up 176%. It said paddling pool sales were up 446% and garden furniture up 44% as Britons dined al fresco.
Last weekend alone Asda sold 3m sausages and 1.4m burgers. Tesco predicted it would sell 9m sausages this weekend and sales of its summer fruits soared.
Emergency services warned against swimming in open waters and quarries after three people died in the West Midlands in the past week.
John Woodhall, a water rescue specialist with West Midlands ambulance service, said: "How many more people need to die before someone takes notice of our warnings of the dangers of swimming in open waters?
"Quarries are not like swimming pools. The water is much colder. You go from 28C outside to 10C (50F) in the water. You can get muscle cramps and stitches. The bottom is uneven. There are no depth markings. Even strong swimmers can slip underwater and you may not make it back up again."
Commander George Marshall, of Hereford and Worcester fire and rescue service, said: "Please think twice about going into open water and if you must take a dip please do it in the safety of a public swimming pool where there are lifeguards on duty."
Superintendent Ivan Powell, of West Mercia police, echoed the message, saying: "Particularly in view of the current hot spell we would urge people not to go into rivers, lakes, ponds and canals to try to cool off. People need to recognise the risks associated with water and act responsibly."
No comments:
Post a Comment