BRITS are set for a scorching end to the week as temperatures are expected to reach highs of 34C – making it hotter than the Sahara on Friday.
Highs of 30C can be expected today. Then it will be several degrees higher on Friday, before temperatures tumble over the weekend.
In El Aaiun, Western Sahara, it is unlikely to get above 28C on Thursday or Friday.
BBC weather forecaster Tomasz Schafernaker said: “Well we are certainly turning up the heat over the next couple of days.
“For southern parts of the UK this is going to be a short lived heatwave and this is the peak, by Friday, London and the south east up to 33C perhaps even 34C.
“Look at the average we are significantly higher compared to what we would normally see, not unprecedented, the record is actually a little above 35C so we are not actually beating any records but it is not that far away if you think about it.
“Now this is what is happening on the satellite picture. Here is the heat coming in from the south, we’ve got cooler air in the north Atlantic, that cooler air will eventually win. I think that by the time we get to Saturday, into Sunday, things will start cooling off and storms will come our way as well but not in the short term.”
Read our weather live blog below for the latest forecasts and updates…
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UV index high today
BBC Weather has warned that pollen levels will be high to very high again today.
So, hay fever sufferers – beware!
The weather service has also warned that for most parts of England, the UV index will be high, and in the South it will be very high.
Make sure to look after the vulnerable during the heatwave, stay hydrated and top up your sun cream.
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UK weather outlook for Saturday and Sunday
It will be a cooler day on Saturday with sunny spells however large areas of cloud will build bringing a threat of showers, mostly across Wales and England.
Sunday will bring rain across southern and central England and Wales which may be heavy and persistent. Drier and brighter further north
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Tonight’s weather
Despite a warm day for most, rain turning heavier and more widespread for northwestern UK, along with stronger winds – although the far northwest drier later.
A mainly dry evening with sunny spells across southern areas – mostly fine and warmer than recent nights.
Clear across England and Wales.
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Friday to be HOT, HOT, HOT as temps cool down for weekend
Looking at Friday’s weather, BBC weather forecaster Tomasz Schafernaker said: “This is actually going to be the peak of the heat so these south, south westerly winds bring up that hot air from the south, 33C or 34C, all the hot air coming in from France.
“The north west of the country much fresher here, this is that cooler Atlantic air already starting to spread in.”
But he added that temperatures will drop over the weekend.
“So come the weekend, whether you like it or not after a hot and sunny Friday, it is all going to go bang,” he said.
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The weather today
Looking at today, BBC weather forecaster Tomasz Schafernaker said said that for wide parts of the UK it will be hot. But in the far north west of the UK a cooler weather system is already coming into play.
“This is what it looks like Thursday morning, clear skies across England and Wales, a bit more cloud in the north west here with these Atlantic weather systems just brushing the north west of the British Isles and pieces of rain,” he said.
“Some of those showers could turn a little heavy in the Western Isles, perhaps Northern Ireland during the day, there is another weather system to come but that is Thursday night. But look at the temperatures 28C in London, widely mid 20Cs into Yorkshire for example, we could actually hit 30C on Thursday.”
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Country to be hotter than SAHARA with temps of 34C
BRITS are set for a scorching end to the week as temperatures are expected to reach highs of 34C – making it hotter than the Sahara on Friday.
Highs of 30C can be expected today. Then it will be several degrees higher on Friday, before temperatures tumble over the weekend.
In El Aaiun, Western Sahara, it is unlikely to get above 28C on Thursday or Friday.
BBC weather forecaster Tomasz Schafernaker said: “Well we are certainly turning up the heat over the next couple of days.
“For southern parts of the UK this is going to be a short lived heatwave and this is the peak, by Friday, London and the south east up to 33C perhaps even 34C.
“Look at the average we are significantly higher compared to what we would normally see, not unprecedented, the record is actually a little above 35C so we are not actually beating any records but it is not that far away if you think about it.
“Now this is what is happening on the satellite picture. Here is the heat coming in from the south, we’ve got cooler air in the north Atlantic, that cooler air will eventually win. I think that by the time we get to Saturday, into Sunday, things will start cooling off and storms will come our way as well but not in the short term.”
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RLNI urges beach goers to stay safe as summer heat hits the UK
The national lifeboat service took to Twitter to give some pointers to any Brits that may find themselves in the water as the summer ramps up.
The group said:
“If you find yourself in the water unexpectedly this weekend:
- Fight the urge to thrash around
- Lean back, extend your arms and legs
- Gently move them to help you float if needed
- Float until you control your breathing
- Only then, call 999 or 112 for help or swim to safety
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Why the Met Office has issued a level 2 Heat-Health warning
Brits rejoice when the sun comes out, but somethings too much heat can be dangerous.
In response to the 34C degree heat the south is set to see this Friday, the Met Office has issued a weather warning, but why?
Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “Temperatures are forecast to reach 30C in some parts of the south on Friday and 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 and follow our simple health advice to beat the heat.”
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Friday to be over 10C hotter than yearly average
Friday will be the hottest day of the year so far and it will be far hotter than usual for mid June.
London will be the hottest part of the nation, as temperatures rise to 33C.
This will cool as we enter the weekend, with rain on the way.
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Top 10 cities to enjoy a heatwave drink across Britain
Brits are expecting scorching 32C degree temperatures this weekend.
With that, it is time to head outside to the nearest beer garden, and enjoy a nice gold beverage. But where should Brits go if they are looking for the best spot?
Well, according to Electric Radiators Direct, Norwich is the jewel in Britain’s beer garden crown, quickly followed by Oxford.
If you are looking for a seaside drink, Brighton is the place to go, with dozens of great pubs to try out.
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Expect rain this weekend, Met Office says
This week has been a sweltering one, and the weekend will be a change of pace for many.
Many Brits should expect rain this weekend, as the boiling weather vanishes once again.
“Dry, sunny and hot on Friday, although cooler in the north with rain. Cooler over the weekend with heavy rain in the south. Becoming dry and bright in the north,” the Met Office said.
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Londoners in for a sweltering day on Thursday
The hot weather is set continue in London, with Thursday bringing temperatures of 30C.
However, it will be a somewhat cloudy day, with hazy weather blocking the sun.
“Thursday will be a hot day for inland areas with bright or sunny spells, but sunshine will be rather hazy given areas of high cloud. Probably cooler near some coasts. Maximum temperature 30 °C.”
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In pictures: Brits bask in beachside sunshine
As the temperatures ramp up, Brits across the nation have headed to their nearest seaside.
Today is set to be another boiling affair, with temperatures hitting 28C in sone parts of the south.
By Friday, parts of the south will be experiencing a serious heatwave, with the mercury set to hit 34C.
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Temperatures to continue rising this week
In a statement issued by the Met Office, it confirmed that the scorching temperatures will continue to increase as we get further into the week.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Jason Kelly, said: “The heat is a result of a mix of home-grown warming due to a high pressure over the southern half of the UK, as well as a south westerly airflow bringing warm air, which has been over continent through the week, across the country.”
“This is the first spell of hot weather this year and it is unusual for temperatures to exceed these values in June. Some areas may see warm nights with minimum temperatures expected to be in the high teens or even low 20Cs overnight, especially in urban areas such as London.”
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How to protect your eyes from the summer rays
Your eyes are more sensitive than your skin, so it is important you protect them this summer.
In fact, eyes are 10 times more sensitive than skin.
UV rays can have serious lasting damage on the eyes and increase your chances of developing cataracts, the number one cause of blindness in the world.
The Met Office offers ways to protect your eyes from UV rays including good quality sunglasses that keep out 99 percent of the sun’s rays.
More information can be found here.
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Met Office outlines how to stay safe in a heatwave
The Met Office has taken to Twitter to urge that Brits stay safe during this week’s heatwave.
Temperatures are set to hit 34C on Friday, and it is important to stay hydrated, in the shade and protected from the heat.
Aside from those tips, the Met Office made it clear one should never leave their pet in a car during weather like this.
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RLNI urges beach goers to stay safe as summer heat hits the UK
The national lifeboat service took to Twitter to give some pointers to any Brits that may find themselves in the water as the summer ramps up.
The group said:
“If you find yourself in the water unexpectedly this weekend:
- Fight the urge to thrash around
- Lean back, extend your arms and legs
- Gently move them to help you float if needed
- Float until you control your breathing
- Only then, call 999 or 112 for help or swim to safety
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Look after the elderly during the heatwave
While some Brits are thriving in the scorching heat and blazing sun, others struggle to cope as their health could be at risk.
If you have any elderly neighbours, or family, make sure to check up on them. Those who are elderly may be forgetful, and grabbing a glass of water every now and again can easily slip from memory.
Here are some tips to help the elderly:
- Age UK say use sunscreen of at least SPF 30. Apply it generously and top up at least every two hours. If you’ve been in water, reapply when you are dry.
- Look out for heat exhaustion signs: muscle cramps in your arms, legs or stomach, mild confusion, weakness or sleep problems. If you have any of these, rest in a cool place and drink plenty of fluids and seek medical advice
- Try to keep window’s open and blinds and curtains shut (but don’t leave the windows open!)
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Hot & bothered! How to sleep in a heatwave
If you struggle to sleep during sweltering weather, read the following tips!
- Use thin bedsheets, or look into getting a weighted blanket
- Drink PLENTY of water
- Avoid heavily caffeinated drinks, as they can be dehydrating
- Block out the light during the day, keep curtains shut to ensure your room stays cooler
- Buy a cooling eye mask and keep it in the fridge during the day
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NEVER leave your dog in a hot car, RSPCA warns
The charity has given a stark warning on leaving pets in cars, which are like baking hot oven EVEN with a window open.
The RSPCA have said that when it’s just 22°C outside, temperatures can quickly rise to 47°C for cars and conservatories.
Scorching temperatures can be fatal to pooches.
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Hottest day of the year so far recorded today, but temperatures WILL rise
Forecasters recorded highs of 28C today.
Brits dashed outdoors to soak up the sun today, as the hottest day of the year hit the UK.
In St James’s Park, London 28C was recorded.
The best is yet to come however, as Brits could see highs of a sweltering 23C on Friday.
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Temperatures to dip next week
The hot weather won’t last forever as temperatures 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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Working up a sweat! Brit’s head outside to exercise in the sun
Brits made the most of the great outdoors today amid the peak of the heatwave.
As the weather hit highs of 28C in some parts of the UK today, many of us made the most of the glorious weather and spent the day outdoors.
Some took to exercising in the sun this morning, soaking up some Vitamin D.
Children were snapped exercising and playing outdoors this morning.
Trainer helping kid to do abs on the court in the morning.Credit: Getty -
Why the Met Office has issued a level 2 Heat-Health warning
Brits rejoice when the sun comes out, but somethings too much heat can be dangerous.
In response to the 34C degree heat the south is set to see this Friday, the Met Office has issued a weather warning, but why?
Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “Temperatures are forecast to reach 30C in some parts of the south on Friday and 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 and follow our simple health advice to beat the heat.”
