09/07/2010

Met Office Issues Hot Weather Warning As Temperatures Get Set To Soar

The Met Office has issued its first Heat-Health alert of the summer, as soaring temperatures have predicted in parts of the UK.

Temperatures are expected to peak at 31C across East Anglia and south east England during Friday and Saturday.

Wayne Elliott, Head of Health Forecasting at the Met Office, said: "While there is the possibility of daytime temperatures reaching trigger households, it is the night time values which are of real concern. High humidity and the lack of any breeze could make matters worse for people with underlying health problems."

The elderly, babies and young children are the most vulnerable to the effects of the extreme heat. The NHS advice is to wear loose cotton clothes, spray or splash your face and the back of your neck with cold water several times a day and remain in the coolest rooms of the house as much as possible.

It is also advised to keep windows closed when the room is cooler inside than outside.

Temperatures are expected to be more bearable at around the high teens and low twenties centigrade in north-west England, west Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Varied weather is expected across the UK over the next few days, with some places having unsettled conditions.

Frank Saunders, Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, added: "There is a 60% chance of some places in East Anglia and south east England reaching 32C, but it is important to note that it won't be hot everywhere. Cloud and some rain are expected for a time over northern regions of the UK."

(KMcA/BMcC)

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