31°C heat set to make UK hotter than Sahara today
Temperatures across the region are set to reach a sweltering 31°C today, according to the Met Office.
These reports mean Britain will be hotter than Portugal, Jamaica, Costa Rica, the Canary Islands and even the Sahara.
However, the scorching temperatures could bring with them potential risks as the public try to beat the heat, officials have warned.
Nottinghamshire Police, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service and other partners have issued a plea for people to think about the dangers of cooling off in open bodies of water.
Nottinghamshire Police said: "Almost half of accidental drownings happen between the months of May and August and often involve people who took a spur-of-the-moment decision to enter the water.
"Dangers posed by open water can include very cold temperatures, even in summer months, strong underwater currents and unexpected water depths."
The fire service drove home this point on Twitter, and said: "A hot day will still mean the water is very cold, this can lead to cold water shock and drowning.
"Remind your loved ones to spend time in and around water safety."
Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at the UK Health Security Agency, said: "We want everyone to enjoy the hot weather safely when it arrives and be aware of good health advice for coping with warmer conditions.
"During periods of hot weather it is especially important to keep checking on those who are most vulnerable, such as older people and those with heart or lung conditions. Make sure to look out for signs of heat exhaustion."
The NHS lists the potential signs of heat exhaustion as including:
- a headache
- dizziness and confusion
- loss of appetite and feeling sick
- excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin
- cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
- fast breathing or pulse
- a high temperature of 38C or above
- being very thirsty
Meanwhile, The British Red Cross has re-iterated the need for people to check in with vulnerable loved ones, as well as taking precautions to protect themselves, such as drinking plenty of fluids — which is especially important when consuming alcohol — keeping homes and offices as cool as possible, and wearing sun cream to protect from harmful UV rays.
The unusually-hot temperatures are not due to last as they could bring with them some risk of rain with the potential for isolated showers and thunderstorms into the weekend.
So, make the most of the weather while you still can and enjoy the one day of summer — but safely.
