Parts of the UK will be hotter than the Canary Islands this week, with the mercury set to soar to 91.4F amid an unprecedented heat warning from the Met Office.
Britain will bask in sweltering temperatures warmer than in top holiday destinations such as Marbella, Mykonos and Tenerife over the next three days, with many forecasters predicting them to be the hottest of the year.
The bookies have now made it just a 1/2 shot that 2021 ends up being the hottest summer ever on record in the UK, with the Met Office today issuing its first ever ‘amber extreme heat warning’.
The warning – which is similar to those issued when heavy rain or snow is forecast – covers a large part of Wales, all of south-west England and parts of southern and central England, and will remain in force until the end of Thursday.
Meteorologists have warned people to stay out of the sun during the afternoon, close their curtains to keep living rooms cool, stay out of direct sunlight and drink water.
Public Health England (PHE) also issued a heat-health alert, warning members of the public to take measures to stay cool and look out for vulnerable people.
People enjoy the weather on Bournemouth beach in Dorset, with temperatures set to soar to sweltering highs this week
A jogger runs along the Thames near London’s Tower Bridge this morning, with the recent heatwave set to continue throughout the week
People enjoy the weather on Bournemouth beach in Dorset, with temperatures set to soar to sweltering highs this week
Commuters cross London Bridge in the sun this morning as scorching temperatures continue to hit Britain this week
The hot sun burns off the sea mist at sunrise as a paddleboarder goes across Roker Harbour to Roker Lighthouse in Sunderland this morning
A Met Office graphic shows how high temperatures will again hit parts of the UK between Tuesday and Thursday this week
Marco Petagna, a Met Office forecaster, said: ‘We have an amber extreme heat warning in place until Thursday.
‘Temperatures are likely to peak at around 32C (89.6F), even reaching 33C (91.4F) in isolated spots across southern England, so very warm for many.
‘Even the more cooler areas will see temperatures in the twenties while other places could see some thundery showers.’
Mr Petagna put the warm weather down to an area of high pressure above the UK.
He added: ‘I’d say people should stay out of the midday sun, apply sunscreen when outside, be wary of any health issues you may have and make sure to stay hydrated.
‘As this heat remains in place, people will be vulnerable to dehydration, fatigue and nausea, so make sure to stay safe on public transport and if you are heading to the beach.’
The bookies are now predicting this summer could be Britain’s hottest yet, offering odds of just 1/2 for the period to reach record levels.
Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: ‘We’ve been treated to a scorching few days and it looks like there’s plenty more where that came from, with a record-breaking hot summer potentially on the cards.’
The recent heat, which saw the hottest day of the year so far recorded on Sunday, has brought about a number of issues across the UK, including in Birmingham where a bus shelter exploded.
The 10ft tall, 20ft wide shelter, in busy Chelmsley Wood, fell victim to the heatwave and while nobody was hurt when it suddenly smashed into pieces, it is not clear whether anyone was standing waiting for a bus at the time.
Photos emerged showing the perspex windows and sides had melted in the intense heat after it ‘self-combusted’.
Police and fire crews raced to the scene after the explosion rocked Chelmsley Road just before midday yesterday, with neighbours dialling 999 after seeing the road filled with smoke.
On Twitter, Chelmsley Wood Police wrote: ‘Thank you to our colleagues at West Midlands Fire Service for attending this bus stop in Chelmsley Wood within minutes of the call today after it self combusted due to the intense heat. Flames were doused and the bus stop made safe.’
The recent heat, which saw the hottest day of the year so far recorded on Sunday, has brought about a number of issues across the UK, including in Birmingham where a bus shelter exploded
A group of teenage boys (Connor Humphries, Adrian Copp and Scott Penman) will be wearing skirts to classes all week in a bid to force changes to their school’s ‘outdated’ uniform policy
West Midlands Fire Service added: ‘We were called to Chelmsley Road in Chelmsley Wood at 11.38 am on July 19.
‘We received a 999 call saying a bus shelter was on fire. One of our 4×4 brigade response vehicles attended with three firefighters on board from Sheldon fire station.
‘One hose reel was used to extinguish the fire. West Midlands Police also attended and they informed Travel West Midlands.’
Meanwhile, a boy was left with nasty burns after he steppe on a used BBQ, which was buried in the sand on a beach in Fylde.
The 10-year-old, from Preston, was injured after walking over the hot surface on Sunday afternoon, when hundreds flocked to the seaside to bathe in the sun.
The BBQ was discarded and hidden amongst the sand dunes when the child unknowingly stumbled across it, causing burns to his heel.
It is believed that the father of the child shouted for help from the Fylde Rangers who were patrolling the beach.
The ranger on the scene rushed to help the family who were instructed to call an ambulance for assistance.
A spokesperson for the Fylde Rangers Service said: ‘The frame edging stuck into his foot about an inch deep. First aid was administered and they were advised to seek medical help by going to the hospital. The incident occurred on the dunes adjacent to the former Sand Wining road.’
Elsewhere, in Cornwall, a group of teenage boys will be wearing skirts to classes all week in a bid to force changes to their school’s ‘outdated’ uniform policy.
The group is unhappy that Poltair School in St Austell has a uniform policy that doesn’t allow pupils to wear shorts, even in the current searing weather.
One of the group is 15-year-old Adrian Copp, whose mother Donna Price told CornwallLive how she completely backs her son and his friends – and even bought him his skirt especially.
She said: ‘There was meant to be a bigger group protesting and wearing skirts but only four have had the bottle to do it.
‘The school’s policy is that shorts aren’t allowed even though students are allowed to wear them at other local schools.
‘Adrian and his friends decided to wear skirts to try and make a stand. It’s one way to get noticed.
‘On Facebook Poltair has said that students are allowed to remove blazers in this weather but still nothing about being able to wear shorts.
‘It’s not just about boys. Some girls aren’t comfortable wearing skirts and would prefer to wear shorts. The uniform policy is outdated – we’re in 2021 now. How would you like to be stuck in blazer and trousers in this weather?
‘I’m so proud Adrian had the guts to do it and take a stand. Hopefully the school will take notice and add shorts to the uniform policy.’
Another 15-year-old student taking part is Connor Humprhies, whose mother, Roxanne Bessell, added: ‘He’s not long been at the school and they have supported my son fantastically but I do feel that they should have a choice to wear shorts in this heat.’
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