Weather forecast – live: Heatwave brings park fire warnings on hottest day of year
London Fire Brigade has warned people enjoying the heat in parks to be wary of the sun starting a fire, as temperatures will reach a scorching 34C in parts of the UK today.
In a Twitter post, the fire service advised people to “make sure to clear away bottles and any broken glass to avoid them magnifying the sun and starting a fire”.
The Brigade also reported that 50 square metres of grass was on fire in Rainham this week.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office have issued several heat health alerts covering much of England.
A Level 3 Heat-Health alert has been issued for London, the East of England and the South East. A Level 2 alert remains in place for the East Midlands and South West.
The increase in warm weather over the years in the UK has been linked to climate change, with the Met Office warning that this week’s high temperatures used to be “rare” for June but have been seen several times in recent years.
The hottest day of the year so far has been recorded in St James Park, central London on Wednesday, when temperatures reached 28C.
Further highs of 34C (93.2F) are expected to arrive by Friday in some parts of England, prompting a Met Office expert to warn of a 'rare' climate change event.
The Met Office and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued a level two heat health alert for a large part of southern and central England, with a level one alert in place for northern England.
Wednesday's 28C heat has beat the previous record for this year of 27.5C (81.5F) set in May at Heathrow airport.
A hot spell is set to build to a crescendo of 34C on Friday in the South East - making it warmer than Greek Islands Santorini, Mykonos and Zakynthos, as well as Los Angeles and parts of Barbados.
Announcing Wednesday as the hottest day of the year, the Met Office tweeted "expect that to be beaten again this week".
But the sizzling heat in the south is in stark contrast to the weather in northwest Scotland, where temperatures are struggling to push past the mid-teens.
Dr Mark McCarthy, the head of the Met Office National Climate Information Centre, warned climate change could be the reason behind the high temperatures.
He said: "Climate change has increased the average temperature of UK summers, and it is also increasing the likelihood of experiencing more extreme temperatures during hot spells and heatwaves.
"Reaching 34C during June is a rare, but not unprecedented, event in the historical climate records for the UK.
"But if it should happen this week it would be notable that it would have occurred on three days during the last six Junes."
He added the other days were 21 June 2017 and 29 June 2019.
Before that the only previous Junes when England saw a number of stations reach 34C or higher were 3 June 1947, 29 June 1957, and 26-28 June 1976.
Greg Dewhurst, a Met Office forecaster, added that the later part of this week is expected to be "very warm".
He said: "The vast majority of England and Wales will see a lovely day on Wednesday, though slightly different in Northern Ireland and Scotland, which will see cloud and showers.
"It will be very warm in the South East in particular, with the temperature hitting a high of 28C, which would make it the warmest day of the year so far.
"This will then be surpassed on Thursday, with the mercury rising again to around 29C before reaching 33C and even 34C on Friday.
Read more: 'Particularly potent' pollen causing worse-than-usual hay fever symptoms due to warm weather, Met Office says
"So it's going to be very warm as we move into the later part of the week."
A heatwave is defined as three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold.
Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at the UKHSA, said: "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 and follow our simple health advice to beat the heat."
5 Southampton hotspots perfect for some heatwave fun
SCORCHING sunshine will make Britain hotter than Malibu today as the country braces itself for an impeding heatwave.
Brits can expect soaring heat of around 29C on Thursday with the temperature only set to increase in the coming days.
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Brits are expected to flock to the beaches in their droves for the sunny weatherCredit: BNPS
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Twin sisters Olivia and Grace Jenman were among those enjoying Wednesday's heat in BrightonCredit: David McHugh / Brighton Pictures
But Thursday’s heat will usurp Malibu, California where temperatures are expected to go no higher than 23C.
The warm flow of weather is coming from Spain and Portugal, where daytime temperatures have exceeded 40C in some regions.
Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said: "We have got high pressure at the moment so we are getting a certain amount of natural homegrown heat building up because obviously we have got clear skies and fairly dry ground conditions across southern England.
"We have also got warmer air being brought up from further south in Europe where there has been a major heat incident, particularly in Iberia, so that's leading to the sort of crescendo we will see on Friday.
"Because of the direction of the flow, with the weather pattern we have got set up in our latitude, that is encouraging this warm flow of air to come further north.
"We have got the heat building day by day. The next couple of days will be hotter than the preceding day.
"We think at the moment, although there is some uncertainty, that the weather temperatures will peak on Friday and then largely we will be in for a cooler day on Saturday.
"Heat may remain potentially into Saturday but for most parts of the UK because we have got a cold front moving down from further north we will see temperatures coming back down - but they may just hang on in southern England."
First aid and health response charity St John Ambulance has issued some tips to handle the hot weather. Its medical director Dr Lynn Thomas said: "If you're out and about in the sunshine, it's important to make sure you look after yourself by staying hydrated, keeping out of the sun at peak times, and by wearing sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30.
"I would also encourage anyone with elderly relatives and neighbours to check in with them, as any increase in temperature can be dangerous."
Meanwhile charity Age UK is urging elderly people to take some simple precautions, particularly if they have breathing problems or a heart condition.
Caroline Abrahams, of the charity, said: "Older people can be at risk of dehydration and overheating when it gets hot, especially if they live somewhere that is hard to keep cool.
"So it's a good idea to let people know if you have any concerns about yourself, especially if you live alone. "For the rest of us, checking in on older relatives and neighbours is a nice idea - for example, you may have an extra fan you can lend, and the offer of an ice cream when it is sweltering will usually be appreciated too.
"Taking simple steps to keep cool during the hottest parts of the day is a good idea." She advised elderly people to remain indoors, wear light clothing and drink plenty of water during the warmest times in the day.
However, the hot weather won't last forever as temperatures will take a sudden drop next week.While Brits are currently enjoying tropical heat across the UK, the glorious weather won't last.
Temperatures could drop by 10C as early as Monday next week.
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London is expected to see the highest temperatures on ThursdayCredit: PA
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The temperature will reportedly be hotter than MalibuCredit: LNP
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A group of lads enjoyed the cooling breeze and a beer in a floating hot tub in Canary WharfCredit: Tom Bowles / Story Picture Agency
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Punters in Cambridge were out in force to soak up the sunny weather on WednesdayCredit: Geoff Robinson
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