Britons dash to the coast as country bakes in sweltering heat

Perfect day for the BEACH! Britons dash to the coast as country bakes in sweltering heat with temperatures expected to near 86F (30C) ahead of hottest day of the year on Tuesday

• Sunseekers headed to parks and beaches today as Britain’s recent spell of sweltering hot weather continues 
• Temperatures in the UK could hit 84F (29C) today, while hottest day of the year is set for Tuesday, 89F+ (32C+)
• Officials have issued a Level Three Heat Health Alert until Friday, July 15, highlighting health impacts of heat
• Experts warned parents to not let children stay out in the sun, and for people to use high-factor sun-cream

Sunseekers headed to parks and beaches across the UK today as Britain’s recent spell of sweltering hot weather continues – as forecasters predict temperatures could hit a balmy 86F (30C). 

Temperatures in the UK are set to surpass top European holiday destination such as St Tropez, Marbella and Santorini – with the country maintaining the consistent run of hot weather next week.

Despite health warnings being issued about this week’s heatwave, which is expected to bring the hottest day of the year on Tuesday and put pressure on water supplies, sunbathers have flocked to London’s Hyde Park wearing their bikinis and shorts to enjoy today’s sunshine. 

Families crowded Bournemouth beach in Dorset on Sunday – as they arrived in their favourite swimwear and were armed with parasols to protect them from the increasing temperatures.

Meanwhile, Andrew and Rosie Elms, the owners of Lordington Lavender in West Sussex, were pictured inspecting the purple flower rows on their farm near Chichester ahead of their open week which runs from the 11th until the 17th July. 

Lordington Lavender was established in 2002 by farmer Andrew Elms who doubled his coverage to 10 acres during lockdown.

Britons have been warned not to stay in the sun for long periods, particularly parents with their children, and to make sure they are covered in high-factor sun cream. 

Today, parts of the UK could see temperatures nearing 86F (30C), in London and southeast England it is expected to be hotter than parts of the Maldives with highs of 84F (29C).

The heatwave is set to continue with temperatures predicted to soar above 90F (32C) on Tuesday, which would make it the hottest day of the year so far.

Crowds of Brits headed to the beach in Bournemouth, Dorset to enjoy the hot temperatures that are due to rise even higher next week 

Pictured: Britons canoe along the Chichester Canal near to Hunston in West Sussex on Sunday

Andrew and Rosie Elms, owners of Lordington Lavender in West Sussex, inspect the rows of lavender on their farm near Chichester on Sunday 

Pictured: Sunseekers head to the seaside at in Bournemouth, Dorset to enjoy the hot temperatures on Sunday

Pictured: Runners were out early this morning enjoying the sunny weather as they ran around Hyde Park in London 

Temperatures are set to hit 29C today in London, while Tuesday is predicted to be the hottest day of the year. Pictured: A gentleman cools off with a morning swim in London’s Hyde Park

The couple inspected the fields of lavender ahead of their open week which runs from the 11th to the 17th July. Lordington Lavender was established in 2002 by farmer Andrew Elms looking at a new way to diversify – and during lockdown a further five acres was planted, doubling coverage to 10 acres.

Pictured: A stand-up boarder and their dog paddle in the Portland harbour on Sunday morning

Stand-up boarders are see in the Portland harbour on Sunday morning as Britain experiences sweltering temperatures

Horse riders cool off in the Portland harbour this morning as temperatures in some parts are expected to reach 30C

Pictured: A group of ramblers look out over Chesil Beach in Portland on Sunday morning 

A Level 3 heat-health Alert has been issued for next week by the Met Office, highlighting the potential health impacts of this type of weather. 

Met Office warns against cheap sunglasses 

The Met Office is urging Brits to wear protective sunglasses as UV levels rise alongside temperatures this week. 

Forecasters predict that UV levels will peak at level eight, referred to as ‘very high’ for the next three days.

Level eight is the highest level the UK usually reaches, with its peak at lunchtime.

‘UV can damage your eyes just like it damages your skin,’ Greg Dewhurst, Met Office senior meteorologist told the Telegraph. 

‘They have to be UV-protective sunglasses – the cheaper ones are usually not.’

He recommended wraparound glasses, as these stop the sun from entering at the side as well. 

The NHS advises Brits to choose ‘sunglasses with wraparound lenses or wide arms with the CE Mark and British Standard Mark 12312-1:2013 E’. 

A level 2 alert has been issued for the South West, East Midlands, West Midlands, North West and Yorkshire and the Humber regions. 

The Level 3 alert covers the East of England, South East and London regions – and warns Britons to ‘look out for others, especially older people, young children and babies and those with underlying health conditions’.

It also urges people to ‘close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors’, and ‘drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol, dress appropriately for the weather and slow down when it is hot’. Level 3 is defined as ‘heatwave action’; Level 2 is ‘alert and readiness’.

The alerts will be in place from 9am on Monday until 9am on Friday. 

The highest temperature recorded in the UK so far this year was was 91F (32.7C) on June 17 in Heathrow, the Met Office said. 

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, David Oliver, said: ‘The warm weather over much of England and Wales could last for much of next week. In the short term, many can expect temperatures in the mid to high 20s Celsius over the weekend, and then in the low 30s Celsius during the start of next week. 

‘Much of next week will remain warm for the time of year as well as dry and sunny for many areas.’ 

The warm weather may impact the intensity of the Men’s Singles final at Wimbeldon today, as the heat will reach high of 82F (28C) in the area.

The hottest day ever experienced at the tennis tournament was in 2015, when a staggering 96.2F (35.7C) was recorded.

Today, Central England is likely to reach 82.4F (28C), the South West could see 73.4F (23C), Wales may have peaks of 26C (78.8F) on Sunday afternoon, northern England could hit 80.6F (27C).

Scotland could reach 77F (25C) and Northern Ireland could get to 73.4F (23C).

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office have put in place a level 3 alert for the East of England, South East and London with highs of 89F (32C) currently forecast for the next week.

Novak Djokovic warms up during a practice session at Wimbledon, as the London heat is set to reach 83F (28C)

A Level 3 heat-health Alert has been issued for next week by the Met Office, highlighting the potential health impacts of this type of weather. Pictured: A stand up boarder is seen in Portland harbour

The highest temperature recorded in the UK so far this year was was 91F (32.7C) on June 17 in Heathrow, the Met Office said. Pictured: A woman sits on the edge of a bench overlooking Chesil Beach

Three acres of Lavender fields at Scottish Lavender Oils on Tarnhill Farm in Kinross, Scotland

Today, Central England is likely to reach 82.4F (28C), the South West could see 73.4F (23C), Wales may have peaks of 26C (78.8F) on Sunday afternoon, northern England could hit 80.6F (27C). Pictured: Beachgoers sit looking out over Portland

A record-shattering 43C Saharan scorcher could be becoming to Britain next weekend, as a long-range weather computer is predicting a ‘Saharan heatwave’.

It predicted that air temperatures could rise to the peak temperature in London, with other areas in the south seeing temperatures in the high 30s to low 40s, likening western Europe to an extension of Saharan desert.

Long-range forecasting works by ‘modelling’ possible outcomes, with the 43C option being an extreme high.

While unlikely, weather experts said even the fact it is being suggested as physically possible is a worrying sign. Britain’s current high-temperature record is 101.6F (38.7C) in Cambridge in 2019. 

The extreme heat predicted for the upcoming week means that South West Water has called on customers to try to save five litres of water a day to maintain reservoir levels, admitting that pressure on supplies is building.

Lisa Gahan, the director responsible for water resources, said there had been no restrictions in the region since 1976 and ‘if we are careful we can have another year without any restrictions’.

Long-range weather computers have suggested that air temperatures could reach a sweltering 107.6F (42C) next Sunday

Long-range weather computers have suggested that air temperatures could rise to the peak temperature in London

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UK Health Security Agency, said: ‘We want everyone to enjoy the hot weather when it arrives, but also to check in on their vulnerable family, friends and neighbours to make sure they are prepared for the warm conditions ahead.

‘High temperatures are predicted for a prolonged period, so make sure to follow our simple health advice to beat the heat, such as covering windows exposed to direct sunlight and making sure that fridges, freezers and fans are working properly.’ 

Sam Hughes, National Water Safety Partner at the RNLI said, urged Brits to stay safe at the coast, when they’re cooling off.

‘If you are planning on going to the beach we would encourage you to visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.

‘If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live: lean back, use your arms and legs to stay afloat. Control your breathing, then call for help or swim to safety. In a coastal emergency, call 999 or 112 for the Coastguard.’ 

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