Hotter than LA in parts of the UK today ahead of predicted heatwave
A level 2 heat-health alert warning has been issued for next week
Ahead of a predicted heatwave next week, parts of the UK today (Friday 8th July) are set to be hotter than Los Angeles as temperatures push towards 30c.
Some areas will reach 28c by this afternoon, surpassing European holiday destinations such as St Tropez, Marbella and Santorini.
The Met Office has said this warmer weather will start a consistent run of high temperatures over the next few days, meaning we could see an official heatwave.
London, the South East and East are expected to see highs of 28C and 26C today while the South West is slightly cooler at 25C.
The Midlands and North West are also predicted to be 25C, while Wales could see 24C.
Saturday and Sunday will then be slightly cooler, though some cloud and rain will move across the North West.
Heat health alert issued
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), meanwhile, issued a level 2 heat-health alert warning ahead of the heatwave.
The alert is in place from 9am on July 11 until 9am on July 15, and covers the East of England, South East and London regions.
The UK previously experienced a heatwave three weeks ago, with June 17 marking the hottest day of the year so far.
Greg Dewhurst, forecaster for the Met Office, said: “Over the course of this week, much of next week, temperatures are going to be above average and very warm locally, hot at times.”
He added: “Over the next few days, primarily the highest temperatures will be across southern and eastern parts of the UK. But I think as we go through the weekend and into next week, the heat is likely to be across pretty much the UK.”
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, 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.
Advice for the warm weather form the UK Health Security Agency
To prepare for the warm weather ahead, you can:
- shade or cover windows exposed to direct sunlight – external shutters or shades are very effective, internal blinds or curtains are less effective but cheaper and easier to install
- check that windows or vents can be opened
- if applicable, check mechanical ventilation systems are switched on and operating in summer mode
- check that fridges, freezers and fans are working properly
- check medicines can be stored according to the instructions on the packaging
Tips for sleeping in a heatwave
1) Cool your sheets
While it would be great to put all of your bedding in the fridge or freezer before you go to bed, a cool over-sheet or cool pillow cases will help. Stick them in a plastic bag and then in your fridge or freezer for around 10 minutes before you go to bed and they will cool you down.
2) Sleep alone
Even if you normally share your bed with your significant other, body heat can make a hot night even hotter. Maybe it's time for one of you to sleep in the spare room for the night.
3) Tepid shower
Don't be fooled into having a cold shower, a tepid shower is better at lowering your body temperature. If you have a cold shower your body can overcompensate and make you even hotter!
4) Avoid alcohol
Although it's very tempting to enjoy a cold alcoholic drink when it comes to bedtime you might regret it as alcohol dehydrates.
5) DIY air conditioning
When a simple fan isn't enough to cool you down, try filling a pan or bowl with ice cubes and putting that in front of the fan. The fan's breeze will then create a cooling mist.
6) Use sheets instead of a duvet
Get rid of your winter duvet and maybe even your summer duvet, swapping it for a thin sheet to keep you cool.
7) Cool your feet
Dipping your feet in a bucket of cold water before you go to sleep can help cool down your body, but make sure you don't spill it or get water all over your bed!
8) Windows and curtains
Make sure you keep the windows and curtains closed during the day to keep the heat out and then open them when it's cooler. This will help circulate the cooler air.
9) Drink plenty of water
Aim to drink at least two litres of fluids a day if you can, stay away from caffeine and alcohol.
10) Cool your pulse points
Put a cold flannel on your wrist and neck to cool down your body.
11) Cold water bottle
We've all heard of a hot water bottle, why not do the same with cold water when it's hot weather. Alternatively you could use an icepack in towel. However, remember not to put ice directly onto your skin!
12) Fan cross flow
If you have a fan or blow heater then put it on the cool setting and create a cross flow. Point it so that the warm air at the back is pushed out of an open window, that way it will keep your room cool.