Parts of the country could see temperatures of up to 32C on Tuesday – the highest for Health chiefs in England have issued a warning in response to forecasters predicting temperatures could reach more than 30C in the coming days.
Britain could see its hottest September day in more than 55 years on Tuesday, with the temperature in the South East expected to hit a sweltering 32C, while an above average 20-21C is expected in Scotland.
The Met Office is forecasting “hot and humid” conditions in the East of England, the South East, London and the East Midlands and has issued a level 2 heatwave alert.
Chief meteorologist Paul Gunderson said: “It is going to be a very warm few days across parts of the UK.
“Temperatures are expected to reach around 28C in the South East … and London could see temperatures over 30C.
“Night time temperatures are also looking warm with the South East dropping to just the high teens.
“The heat is expected to be more widespread both during the day and overnight on Wednesday, although peak temperatures probably not quite as high as on Tuesday.”
Health chiefs in England have issued a warning in response to forecasters predicting temperatures could reach more than 30C in the coming days.
Britain could see its hottest September day in more than 55 years on Tuesday, with the temperature in the South East expected to hit a sweltering 32C, while an above average 20-21C is expected in Scotland.
The Met Office is forecasting “hot and humid” conditions in the East of England, the South East, London and the East Midlands and has issued a level 2 heatwave alert.
Chief meteorologist Paul Gunderson said: “It is going to be a very warm few days across parts of the UK.
“Temperatures are expected to reach around 28C in the South East … and London could see temperatures over 30C.
“Night time temperatures are also looking warm with the South East dropping to just the high teens.
“The heat is expected to be more widespread both during the day and overnight on Wednesday, although peak temperatures probably not quite as high as on Tuesday.”
In response, Public Health England has urged people – particularly the elderly, young children, babies and those with underlying health issues – to take measures to stay cool.
Advice includes drinking plenty of water, closing curtains to keep rooms cooler, walking in the shade, wearing loose fitting cotton clothes and avoiding physical exertion in the hot weather.
Dr Thomas Waite, of PHE, said: “Much of the advice on beating the heat is common sense and for most people there’s nothing to really worry about.
“But for some people, such as older people, those with underlying health conditions and those with young children, summer heat can bring real health risks.
“To keep homes and sleeping areas cool at night remember to close curtains on windows that face the sun during the day, once the sun is off windows open them up to get a breeze and think about turning off electrical devices all over the home as they can generate unwanted heat too.”
The last time temperatures reached above 30C in September was in 2006 in Kew Gardens, which hit 30.5C on 11 September.
If the temperature rises above 31.6C, which was recorded at Gatwick on 2 September, 1961, tomorrow will be the hottest day for 55 years. (skynews)