Level 2 heat alert issued for Surrey and Hampshire
Last updated 15th Jun 2022
A weather warning's been issued on what is expected to be the hottest day of the year so far.
The Met Office and the UK Health Security Agency have issued a level 2 heat-alert for a large part of southern and central England including Surrey and Hampshire.
Its the first heat alert issued this year.
The charity Age UK is advising older people to stay inside, wear light clothing and drink plenty of water during the warmest times of the day.
What does the heat alert mean?
On the four-level heat-health alert scale, which is designed to help healthcare workers manage through periods of extreme temperatures, level 1 is the lowest warning and is the minimum state of vigilance used during the summer months.
Level 2, called alert and readiness, is triggered as soon there is a 60% risk that temperature thresholds will be reached in one or more regions on at least two consecutive days and the intervening night.
A heatwave is defined as three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold.
The threshold varies in each county.
Dan Rudman, Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said:
"Temperatures will continue to rise as we go through the week, becoming well above-average by Friday, when many parts of the southern half of the UK are likely to exceed 30°C or even reach 34°C in some places.
"This is the first spell of hot weather this year and it is unusual for temperature to exceed these values in June. Many areas will also see some warm nights with minimum temperatures expected to be in the high teens or even low 20s for some overnight."
The highest temperatures are expected on Friday (19 June) where we could see highs of around 30°C.
Temperatures will sizzle from today (Wednesday), which will see highs of 28C in parts of the South East, eclipsing the 27.5C set in mid-May at Heathrow.
Parts of the UK will also be warmer than Greek Islands of Santorini, Mykonos and Zakynthos, as well as Los Angeles and parts of Barbados!
The top ways for staying safe when the heat arrives are to:
Look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated – older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk
Stay cool indoors by closing curtains on rooms that face the sun – and remember that it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat
Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day
Make sure you take water with you if you are travelling
The signs of heat exhaustion include:
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