Latest news with #DanHolley
Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Exact date rain to finally bring relief to Brits after sweltering 32C heatwave
After a warm week and weekend, temperatures are set to become cooler next week - and some parts of the country could even experience some rain, according to BBC Weather Forecasters have warned Brits to expect high temperatures over the coming days - and despite Thursday officially becoming the hottest day of the year so far, the record could be broken again this weekend. The Met Office said some eastern areas could see the mercury go up to 34C, while most parts of England will experience temperatures in the low 30s. Due to the ongoing heat, a number of charities including the British Heart Foundation and Age UK have issued warnings about the potential risks to vulnerable people. And while it looks like warm weather is here to stay for a few more days, some parts of the country could actually experience rain next week, bringing some relief from the heat. According to BBC Weather, on Thursday next week parts of the South East could experience drizzle in the morning. The forecast also says a gentle breeze will hit from the west and south-west. The Met Office also said "changeable conditions" are expected from the beginning of next week - with some rain or showers likely. The latest long-range forecast from June 24 to July 3 says: "Rather changeable conditions are anticipated through this period, as a series of Atlantic low pressure systems pass largely to the northwest of the UK. These will tend to bring some occasional rain or showers, most frequent in northwestern areas where it may also be rather breezy or windy at times. "Whilst some rain or showers will be possible farther south and east, here longer drier spells are more likely, under the influence of higher pressure. There is also the chance of some occasional very warm weather, as south or southwesterly winds allow brief bursts of hotter air to encroach from the continent, but probably fairly short-lived and perhaps also accompanied by a few thunderstorms at times." But before then, Britain will continue to be warm. Today, highs of 32C are possible in central England, with some isolated showers and thunderstorms hitting western parts of the country. Saturday could be even warmer, with the mercury reaching 34C. Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Dan Holley, said: "The highest temperatures from this hot spell are forecast for Saturday, with low 30s Celsius fairly widely across England, and up to 34C possible in eastern areas. Despite this, the more uncomfortable heat will be in northern and western areas initially, where despite somewhat lower temperatures the air will be more humid. "While Saturday will be a dry and fine day for many, a few showers or thunderstorms will be possible across northern and western parts of the UK, with an increasing risk of some intense thunderstorms developing across portions of north Wales, northern England and southern Scotland later in the afternoon and into the evening hours, which could bring heavy downpours, frequent lightning, gusty winds and possibly large hail." The meteorologist said the weather could also stay warm at night, with the possibility of temperatures not falling below 20C in some areas, which could make it hard to sleep. This kind of weather is described as a "tropical night", Mr Holley added. He said: "Temperatures will ease from the west on Sunday as fresher air arrives from the Atlantic, although parts of East Anglia and the far southeast of England could still see 28-29C for a time." As warm conditions continue, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an Amber Heat Health Alert for the whole of England. The alert is aimed at the health and social care sector, the responder community, the voluntary and community sector and government departments when adverse temperatures are likely to impact on the health and wellbeing of the population. Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: "We have already seen warm weather across the week, and temperatures are set to increase in the coming days, exceeding 30C in many areas. Our findings show that heat can result in serious health outcomes across the population, especially for older adults or those with pre-existing health conditions. "It is therefore important to check on friends, family and neighbours who are more vulnerable and to take sensible precautions while enjoying the sun. The forecasted high temperatures may also lead to an increasing demand for remote health care services and an impact on the ability of services delivered due to heat effects on the work force.'" UK 5 day weather forecast This Evening and Tonight: A fine evening but turning cloudier, perhaps with the odd shower in the southwest by daw, most places remaining dry. Very mild and muggy particularly in the west, with a strengthening breeze. Friday: Dry with sunny once again. Chance of an odd shower across northern Scotland and southwest England at times. Breezy along southern and eastern coasts. Feeling very warm, and locally hot. Outlook for Saturday to Monday: Hazy sunshine on Saturday with showers, these thundery in places. Occasional bright spells on Sunday with cloudier skies arriving into Monday. Feeling hot initially but then turning fresher from Sunday.
Daily Mirror
10 hours ago
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Households urged to shut windows and curtains on Saturday as temps rise to 34C
Advice from the UK government urges people to keep curtains and windows closed in the face of a sweltering heatwave which will peak this weekend Many parts of the UK are set to see skyrocketing temperatures within hours - with an amber heat health alert already being issued. Saturday, June 21 will see parts of Britain cook in 34C heat in what the Met Office says is the first heatwave conditions of the year. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) releases such colour-coded warnings in the event of hot weather in conjunction with the Met Office, and in this instance, all regions are covered. It came into force at midday on Thursday and will cease at 9am on Monday, but could be extended if sizzling temperatures are predicted to remain. What do the alerts mean? An amber alert shows that "significant impacts are likely" across health and social care services, and warns there could be "a rise in deaths" among people with pre-existing health conditions and those aged over 65. It also urges people to check in on elderly and vulnerable neighbours. Such warnings also come with a host of advice which has been curated by the government on how to keep individuals and homes cool. Keep windows and curtains closed Among its pointers, it urges people to close any windows or curtains that are facing the sun. The government information says: "Hot weather can make people unwell. It can also make an existing health problem worse." Experts say keeping windows open, while it may sound like a good idea, can contribute to heating up a room. Keeping them closed, and curtains drawn, can keep the UV rays at bay and the room at a more comfortable temperature. Some even say doing the opposite can lead to a room "heating up like a greenhouse." It tells people to stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm, wear loose clothes, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, drink lots of water, and don't drink too much alcohol. The obvious one is to keep reapplying sun cream with anything over factor 30 being the optimum. Met Office forecast for this weekend Today (June 20) is set to see temperatures remain high for many, with thermometers set to record a possible 32C in central England. While the south-west of England could see isolated showers and thunderstorms, the hottest day is set to strike on Saturday. Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, Dan Holley, said: 'The highest temperatures from this hot spell are forecast for Saturday, with low 30s Celsius fairly widely across England, and up to 34C possible in eastern areas. Despite this, the more uncomfortable heat will be in northern and western areas initially, where despite somewhat lower temperatures the air will be more humid. 'Temperatures will ease from the west on Sunday as fresher air arrives from the Atlantic, although parts of East Anglia and the far southeast of England could still see 28-29C for a time.'
Daily Mirror
10 hours ago
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Weather maps show dark red as half a month's rain to brutally end heatwave
Temperatures were expected to exceed 30C on Thursday across the UK - and are anticipated to rise again on Saturday to 38C in the East of England - but rain is coming These striking weather maps show the date monster thunderstorms will abruptly end our sweltering heatwave. The glorious weather is expected to continue for some time yet, with Saturday anticipated the hottest day of the year so far as the mercury is likely to exceed 38C in parts of the East of England. While temperatures will drop slightly thereafter, they will be warm in most places to continue to meet the heatwave threshold for several more days. But a band of low pressure will eventually creep across the UK from the southwest and, as a result, vicious thunderstorms will end the sunny spell. Weather maps show around 30mm of rain - more than half an average June's total - will lash across parts of the Midlands, the Home Counties and the East of England on Saturday June 28. It clashes with Glastonbury - and Somerset is expected to see some wet weather that weekend. The picture is issued by Metdesk, which provides interactive weather maps for forecasters at Ventusky. In its long-range forecast, which covers Saturday June 28, the Met Office says any warm periods will be "accompanied by a few thunderstorms at times." The low pressure moves slowly east throughout Saturday June 28, and rain will be heaviest during the late afternoon across Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire. Met Office data shows Cambridge typically sees 49mm of rain fall throughout a standard June - but around 30mm is anticipated during a few hours on this day in and around the city. Lincoln typically sees more rain throughout a standard June but showers will be heavier - and longer lasting - across Lincolnshire on Saturday June 28. The weather maps show the dark red hue across the southern tip of the county, around places like Boston and small rural settlements near The Wash. More than 30mm of rain could fall throughout the day in these parts, say forecasters. It is a huge contrast to the dry spell the country has seen over the past week or so. Data recorded for the Met Office shows most of the nation saw just traces of rain on Wednesday, when temperatures peaked at 29.3C in central London. It is thought the mercury rose even further on Thursday, though the Met Office is yet to confirm the hottest location in the UK. Sleeping has been difficult amid the scorcher. Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley said: "The nights will also be quite warm, with the possibility of temperatures not falling below 20C in some areas, making it hard to sleep. This is what we term a 'tropical night'." Experts recommend Brits stay hydrating and change bedding more frequently than normal as ways to help get to sleep.
Powys County Times
14 hours ago
- Climate
- Powys County Times
UK records warmest day of year so far as temperature hits 32.2C
The UK has broken its record for the warmest day of the year twice on the same day, with the temperature reaching as high as 32.2C. The new high was measured in Kew, west London, after the previous high of 30.8C in Wisley, Surrey, was recorded earlier on Thursday afternoon. Forecasters had said temperatures were likely to climb through the afternoon, amid an amber heat-health alert for all regions in England. The alert, issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the first time since September 2023, is in force until 9am on Monday. It warns 'significant impacts are likely' across health and social care services because of high temperatures, including a rise in deaths – particularly among those aged 65 and over or people with health conditions. Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at the UKHSA, said: 'Our findings show that heat can result in serious health outcomes across the population, especially for older adults or those with pre-existing health conditions. 'It is therefore important to check on friends, family and neighbours who are more vulnerable and to take sensible precautions while enjoying the sun. 'The forecasted high temperatures may also lead to an increasing demand for remote healthcare services and an impact on the ability of services delivered due to heat effects on the workforce.' UV and pollen levels are also expected to climb alongside temperatures. An official heatwave is recorded when areas reach a certain temperature for three consecutive days, with thresholds varying from 25C to 28C in different parts of the UK. Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley said: 'The highest temperatures from this hot spell are forecast for Saturday, with low 30s Celsius fairly widely across England, and up to 34C possible in eastern areas. 'Despite this, the more uncomfortable heat will be in northern and western areas initially, where despite somewhat lower temperatures the air will be more humid.' He warned parts of the country are in for 'tropical nights' over the weekend. 'The nights will also be quite warm, with the possibility of temperatures not falling below 20C in some areas, making it hard to sleep. This is what we term a 'tropical night',' Mr Holley said. Emma McClarkin, chief executive officer of the British Beer and Pub Association, said sales in some pubs increase almost 20% during hot weather. She said the current heatwave is a 'huge boon for Britain's brewers and pubs'. Meanwhile, a number of charities have issued warnings about the potential risks of hotter weather. St John Ambulance urged the public to familiarise themselves with the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and to learn how to respond. It comes after a survey of 1,002 adults in England revealed more than half do not know the difference between 'life-threatening' heatstroke, which requires a 999 call, and heat exhaustion, which can be treated by cooling and hydrating a patient. The British Heart Foundation is encouraging people with heart conditions to take precautions such as staying cool and keeping hydrated to minimise potential health risks during a heatwave, saying the heat can put extra strain on the heart. Age UK urged people to check in on older relatives, friends, and neighbours to see if they need anything and to make sure they are not feeling overwhelmed by the excessive heat. Dementia UK issued advice and tips on how to support a loved one with dementia in the heat, including keeping hydrated; staying cool with appropriate clothing; keeping the person out of the heat; cooling the person down by avoiding hot drinks, alcohol and caffeine; and keeping the home environment cool. RAC breakdown spokeswoman person Alice Simpson warned drivers should 'take every precaution' in the heat. 'When temperatures soar, vehicle breakdowns usually do the same,' she said. 'One of the biggest risks is an increase in cars overheating, especially when sat in queues of traffic with no shade.' Ms Simpson urged drivers to check their coolant levels and any air conditioning systems that are not working properly, and to take plenty of water and snacks on the road. People are urged to look after their pets in the heat as well. British Veterinary Association president Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux said: 'Each summer, vets see pets suffering from heat-related problems and illnesses, such as heatstroke, breathing problems, burnt paw pads and sunburn, some of which can sadly be fatal.' She said owners should ensure their animals have access to fresh drinking water, good ventilation and shade, advising dog lovers to avoid taking their pets for walks during the heat of the day and to never leave them inside a car, caravan or conservatory. Tips from the RSPCA include using pet-safe sun cream; ensuring animals have constant access to shade and fresh drinking water at all times; keeping fish tanks out of direct sunlight; using cold treats from the fridge for added moisture or make an ice lolly for dogs from pet-friendly ingredients; freezing dogs' water bowls; and wrapping an ice pack or frozen water bottle in a tea towel, or use damp towels for pets to lie on.
Daily Mirror
15 hours ago
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Royal Ascot provides free water but dress code unchanged on hottest day of year
A crowd of 65,718 baked in temperatures near 30C which led the UK Health Security Agency to raise the heat-health alert level to amber Royal Ascot supplied punters with water but kept its dress code in force as the track sizzled on the hottest day of the year on Thursday. A crowd of 65,718, a five percent rise on 2024, flocked to the royal racecourse for Gold Cup day, traditionally recognised as Ladies' Day. Ascot enforces its own strict dress standards for the occasion and requires gentlemen to wear morning dress comprising a tailcoat plus waistcoat, tie and top hat in the exclusive Royal Enclosure. In 2022 on the fourth day of the fixture the dress code was relaxed when temperatures became too uncomfortable but they remained in place on Thursday with the heat approaching 30C. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office issued an amber heat-health alert (HHA) for all regions of England at 12 noon on Thursday, raising the level from yellow. An amber alert means that weather impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service. Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: 'We have already seen warm weather across the week, and temperatures are set to increase in the coming days, exceeding 30°c in many areas. 'Our findings show that heat can result in serious health outcomes across the population, especially for older adults or those with pre-existing health conditions. It is therefore important to check on friends, family and neighbours who are more vulnerable and to take sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.' Temperatures are forecast to remain high over the next two days of the royal meeting, reaching 28C at Ascot on Friday. Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Dan Holley, said: 'The highest temperatures from this hot spell are forecast for Saturday, with low 30s Celsius fairly widely across England, and up to 34°C possible in eastern areas. An Ascot spokesperson said: 'We had a crowd of 65,718 today. To help guests cope with the hot weather, we continue to provide free water at hydration stations across the site, and free bottled water is being handed out as people head home. 'Additional gazebos and parasols have also been installed to help provide more shade. We will continue to monitor the forecast ahead of the remaining two days.' Though horses are able to race in very hot temperatures, water and ice is readily available for them to cool down after running with the track also installing a mobile bowser and misting fancies in the unsaddling area. FREE £2 William Hill Shop Bets every day of Royal Ascot inside your Mirror We've teamed up with racing experts William Hill to offer your a £2 FREE shop bet every day of the iconic Royal Ascot festival. Pick up your Mirror from Tuesday June 17 -> Saturday June 21, 2025 to get your hands on this great offer. With 12 pages of incredible pullouts every day, PLUS a £2 shop bet, the Mirror is ready to bring you all the runners, riders, and winners of Ascot 2025.
