AN “INTENSE” heatwave threatening to send temperatures skyrocketing above 30C has triggered hot weather health warnings across the UK.



Britain baked in scorching temperatures in the high 20Cs on Monday as a plume of boiling air from Europe and Africa engulfs the nation.

Forecasters believe temperatures could climb above 30C in southern England in the coming days, hotter than many holiday hotspots in Spain and elsewhere.

The heatwave is forecast to last for at least the next 10 days as Britain prepares for a “sun cream summer” of wall-to-wall blue skies and glorious sunshine.

Public Health England (PHE) has issued a health alert, warning vulnerable people, namely OAPs and children, to take care during the exceptionally hot spell of weather.

When temperatures reached highs of 32C during the summer of 2009, 300 more people than usual died, figures from PHE show.

During the June of 2011, 367 more deaths among over-65s were recorded in just two days in London and eastern England, according to PHE’s research.

There are fears deaths of vulnerable people could reach similar levels during this June’s heatwave.

Met Office forecaster Alex Burkill said: “It's a notable event and could be intense. Some people will enjoy it – but some won't.

“A very prolonged spell of hot weather is starting.”

A Met Office forecaster said: “Isolated spots in the North-West are likely to see temperatures exceeding 30C from Tuesday.

“A prolonged period of very warm weather is expected in London, however daytime temperatures are likely to fall short of reaching heat health criteria until Thursday.”

Dr Thomas Waite, spokesman for PHE, said people susceptible to the heat should to monitored to ensure their safety during the hot weather.

He said: “Much of the advice on beating the heat is common sense.

“It is a really good time to think about what you can do to protect yourself and your family and friends from heat.

“For some people, such as older people, those with underlying health conditions and young children, the summer heat can bring real health risks.

“That’s why we’re urging everyone to keep an eye on those you know who may be at risk this summer.”

AccuWeather is predicting up to eight more heatwaves in the coming months with temperatures reaching the mid-30Cs.

The forecaster based the prediction on analysis historical weather data on British summers, including air pressure patterns, sea temperatures and the influence of continental heat.

AccuWeather meteorologist Jim Andrews said: “The UK is looking at a range of five to eight more spells which we would call heatwaves this summer.

“It would certainly be reasonable to expect 34C highs this summer. Heat will build in the UK this summer due to high pressure, the sun heating the land, and heat arriving from as far away as Spain.”

Bookmaker Ladbrokes is tipping this week to bring the hottest day of the year.

Odds of 4/6 are being offered for the hottest day of 2018 to be recorded this week.

Spokeswoman for Ladbrokes Jessica Bridge said: "The gorgeous weather is melting our calculators, and the odds are in freefall.

“The mercury looks set to stay well into the 30s all week, and we could see the hottest day of the year record broken on more than one occasion at this rate.”