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Associated Press
22 minutes ago
- Climate
- Associated Press
Health officials issue warnings as UK bakes in the first heat wave of 2025
LONDON (AP) — British health officials are warning people across the country to take precautions when out in the sun as the U.K. bakes under its first heat wave of the year. Temperatures are expected to peak at 34 degrees Celsius (93 degrees Fahrenheit) in some parts of eastern England on Saturday following a week of unusually warm weather, according to the national weather agency the Met Office. That's about 12 C (22 F) higher than normal for this time of year. The U.K. Health Security Agency has issued an amber heat health alert covering all of England because of increased health risks for people over 65 and those with heart and lung problems. 'Heat can result in serious health outcomes across the population, especially for older adults or those with pre-existing health conditions,' Dr. Agostinho Sousa, head of the UKHSA, said in a statement. 'It is therefore important to check on friends, family and neighbors who are more vulnerable and to take sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.' Saturday is expected to be the hottest day of the heat wave, with temperatures falling slightly on Sunday and dropping back into the more normal temperatures next week, the Met Office said. The heat alert is currently scheduled to remain in effect until Monday morning. Unusually, temperatures in London this week have been higher than in many parts of Western Europe. That's because the high temperatures are not the result of hot air moving north from the Iberian Peninsula or North Africa as is often the case, the Met Office said. Instead, this weather system originated in air high over the Atlantic Ocean south of Greenland. As it approaches the U.K., it descends toward ground level, causing it to warm rapidly, Chief Meteorologist Matthew Lenhert said. That said, it has been plenty hot in Europe too. Aviation enthusiasts attending the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, north of Paris, this week sought the shade of a Boeing 777's wing, cooling off as temperatures hovered in the low 30s C (mid-80s F.) Met Office scientists this week published research showing that climate change is increasing the likelihood of extreme high temperatures in the U.K. The chance of temperatures exceeding 40 Celsius (104 F) is now more than 20 times higher than it was in the 1960s, the researchers said.
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The Independent
an hour ago
- Climate
- The Independent
Best ways to beat the heat and stay cool during the heatwave
With a scorching heatwave taking hold across the UK, and weather forecasters predicting that temperatures could soon rise above 30C, we're scrambling to think of all the ways we can keep cool. Met Office data shows the highest temperature ever recorded in the UK during June stands at a scorching 35.6C, but it might see a challenge to that record. Even if we don't see the hottest day ever, we're on track for the hottest June on record. While the heat is perfect for kicking back in the garden with an ice lolly in hand, it's not so fun when you're trying to work your 9 to 5 or keep your kids comfortable. When you're out and about, basking in the sunshine, some lovely loose fabrics and hydration drinks may be enough to keep you cool, but when you're cooped up inside, with the sun beating through your windows, you may just need to call in the big guns. But there are lots of different cooling techniques out there, and plenty of urban myths, such as drinking hot drinks to cool down. On top of that, there are lots of cooling products and tons of jargon. You might not know air coolers from air conditioners or the difference between tower fans and pedestal fans. That's why we spoke to the experts about the best ways to stay comfortable at your desk and sleep breezily through the night. What qualifies as a heatwave? In the UK, an official heatwave occurs when a given area reaches a temperature threshold for three consecutive days, with thresholds varying from 25C to 28C, depending on where you're located across the country. In London, for instance, the threshold is 28C; in Aberdeen, 25C. Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Tony Wisson said: 'By the beginning of the weekend, we could very well be meeting heatwave thresholds in places. While the warmest temperatures are likely across London and the east of England, by Saturday heatwave thresholds could be reached across much of the Midlands, low-lying areas bordering the Peak District and even parts of east Wales.' The first steps you should take to stay cool at home According to Met Office advice, when temperatures soar, we should try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest. To stay cool indoors, 'close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler'. Alex Atkinson, air conditioning technician at Super Brothers, recommends 'minimising the use of ovens, stoves, or dryers during the hottest periods, alongside keeping hydrated and having cool showers throughout the day' to help take the edge off. When you need extra help If you've drawn the curtains, pulled the blinds down, and taken all the cool showers you can stomach, and you're still not feeling comfortable, it may be time to bring in a little extra help. Luckily, there are plenty of additional devices and tools that we can purchase to help keep our homes cool, and we've reviewed some of the best on the market. Fans A common myth about fans is that they only push hot air around the room, but this isn't quite accurate. Air condition expert Alex explains, 'It's not so much a myth, but not exactly the truth either. Fans don't make the air cooler like air conditioners do. Rather, they circulate air, which accelerates the evaporation of sweat on your skin, making you feel cooler. Although the air temperature doesn't decrease, your body feels cooler.' If you've experienced the heatwave scramble to get your hands on a fan that actually works, when the heat ensures they fly off the shelves, you'll understand the importance of a pre-summer purchase. Fan technology has really improved, and you don't have to settle for irritating whirring sounds or dangerous blades anymore. Just make sure you point your fan in the right direction. Shawn Navarednam, an Environmental Care Design Engineer at Dyson, says that 'for circulation and cooling purposes, fans should point towards you or the inside of the room. Additionally, cooler air is denser and accumulates at the bottom of the room, so keeping your fan near the ground to sweep the cold air up will help.' You don't need anything fancy to keep cool. One of our favourite tested fans isn't anything expensive, but a £40 tower fan. When we put it to the test, we found that 'it offers features you find in fans more than 6 times the price' and 'provides powerful air circulation'. On top of that, it has an aroma tray, so when the heat is especially stifling, you can add a little peppermint oil to the fan and refresh the room. If you're looking for something with a little more strength, Shark's flexbreeze hydroGo misting fan aced all our tests. This portable, go-anywhere fan mists both indoors and outdoors. That's right – just like a misting bottle, but automatic. The fan is designed to provide a refreshing mist without creating wet surfaces and has up to 12 hours of cordless runtime. Our reviewers found that 'with five cooling settings and 180-degree oscillation, it does a great job of cooling the air to each side of the unit as well as directly in front of it.' Our tests found that this is a perfect buy for those looking to sleep soundly through the heat. A quiet mark certified device, the whisper flex 2 gets as quiet as 13dB, about as silent as a library. It has 30 speed settings and multiple modes, including natural wind modes. At first, we thought it was a gimmick, but after putting it to the test, we found that the natural wind mode is 'noticeably different from the usual blasting air you find in most fans' and a much more relaxing experience. Air conditioning Unlike fans, which simply circulate hot air, an air conditioning unit will extract the hot air from your room and replace it with a cool and refreshing breeze. The most effective solution for tackling blazing heat is an air conditioner, but it's often the most expensive. Installing full-on domestic air con usually costs thousands of pounds, so it often isn't practical to install it in the UK, where we only see hot temperatures for a few weeks of the year. However, you can buy portable air conditioners for a few hundred pounds that do the same thing without fancy installation. They can be stored in a garage or spare room in winter when you don't need them, and they do almost the same thing as an air conditioner. The drawback is that they only work with sash or sliding windows. This was Alex's top pick in a round-up of the best portable air conditioning units, where he praised it for being "smaller and lighter than many units we tested', and being 'small enough to store away during the winter when it's not in use.' You can control it from an app, too, so if you're suffering on a sweltering commute home, you can have the Meaco cool your room ready for your return, and if you're overheating as you sleep, you can turn up the cooling without leaving your bed. These appliances are a midpoint between portable ACs and fans. Where fans push air around the room, air coolers use chilled water and ice to introduce cooler air to a room. They're not quite as effective as portable ACs, but they're much cheaper. Our testers described this cooler as a 'work of art', and it's much cheaper than other options on the market. It can be controlled by app, Alexa, or Google Assistant, and it did a good – if slightly basic – job of cooling down hot rooms. Air purifiers If it's not just the heat you're tackling, and you're battling hayfever, too, an air purifier may be just what you're looking for. The clever appliances can trap and neutralise airborne pollutants, pollen, smoke, dust mites, pet dander and mould spores, ensuring fewer flare-ups, less irritation, and easier breathing. However, many air purifiers have fan functions too, so you can tackle two problems at once. Our favourite tested fan isn't even a fan, really. It's also a heater and air purifier. It has the same HEPA-13 filter as an expensive Dyson fan, but costs much less. It quickly chills a room and cleans the air, helping to prevent allergies while keeping you incredibly cool. Our testers found that this fan will 'help you sleep better during a heatwave.' Bedding Getting a full night's sleep in a heatwave may sound like an impossible dream, but there are some ways of keeping cool in bed. Lisa Artis, Deputy CEO of Simba's charity partner, The Sleep Charity, says you should try 'spreading out as much as you can, like a starfish, as it can help to circulate air around your body better and encourage heat to escape, as you sleep.' It might also seem counterintuitive, but rather than having a cold shower before bed, Lisa suggests taking a warm shower right before bed. 'The warm water makes our body heat up, and then, when we get out of the shower, a rapid drop in temperature cools our body down.' On top of that, there are lots of products which aim to cool down your bed. There's a lot of dodgy marketing around sleep products, but our testers have found a few products that actually live up to their claims. This clever pillow is packed with cooling gel bubbles, so its surface feels cold to the touch. Our tester found that 'these tactile bumps released intense, instant coolness' that kept them cold all night long. Our resident sleep expert and IndyBest assistant editor, Sarah Jones, thinks this is the best buy for a summer duvet. Sarah explained that 'even during a muggy, no-breeze night, where sleep usually feels impossible, we didn't wake up drenched in sweat or tossing around trying to find a cool spot.' Piglet in Bed gingham linen bundle: Was £219, now £164.25, Last but not least, you'll want to make sure that your sheets are nice and cool, and made with breathable and easy-to-wash fabrics. Linen is the best choice in summer, and Piglet In Bed is a brand at the top of the game when it comes to the use of lightweight materials. On test, we loved its gingham linen bundle which is woven from 100 per cent stonewashed linen.
The Independent
2 hours ago
- Climate
- The Independent
UK heatwave: Wildfire, health and drought warnings explained in five key maps
The UK could set a new high for the warmest day of the year for the second day in a row, with forecasters predicting temperatures could reach up to 33C. Thursday saw the mercury hit 32.2C in Kew, west London – the hottest day of 2025 so far – as the country sweltered under an amber heat-health alert. The warning, issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the first time since September 2023, covers all regions of England and remains in place 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. Meanwhile, temperatures are forecast to reach the low 30s and could potentially hit 33C on Friday, the Met Office said. By Friday afternoon, several areas are expected to have passed the heatwave criteria, Met Office weather forecaster Dan Stroud said. 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. Mr Stroud said: 'We're expecting the hot and dry conditions to continue, it does turn a little bit hazier in the west during the course of Friday, we're still expecting temperatures to reach the low 30s, 31C, 32C fairly widely, maybe seeing 33C.' It comes after a warning has been issued as firefighters have responded to more than 500 wildfires across England and Wales this year so far. As of Thursday, 564 wildfire incidents have been responded to by English and Welsh fire and rescue services so far this year, which is a 717 per cent increase on the same period in 2024, and more than double the number seen in 2022 which went on to be the worst year on record for wildfires, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) said. Public safety advice issued by the NFCC includes avoiding the use of disposable barbecues in open countryside, parks, and moorland areas and not discarding cigarettes, matches, or glass bottles, as they can ignite dry vegetation. With drier conditions during this time of year meaning that fires can burn into peat, and can burn for longer, it is likely some fires will take a number of days, rather than hours, to extinguish, causing more damage and placing further pressure on fire and rescue services, the NFCC added. Increasing amounts of cloud will move in from the west on Saturday, with a chance of showers, some which could be thundery in North Wales and north-west England, while eastern areas will see another dry and hot day, he added. Temperatures will be in the low 30s, and probably be the peak of the hot spell on Saturday, as 34C is possible, still below the June record of 35.6C in 1976. Sunday will be another very warm day in the south and east probably in the late 20s, elsewhere it will be cooler, with temperatures in the mid 20s, Mr Stroud said. Earlier this month, the Environment Agency (EA) said Yorkshire moved from 'prolonged dry weather' to ' drought ' status. This means the county is facing a shortage of water after a prolonged period of low rainfall. Yorkshire Water said the drought status does not immediately change the situation for customers but water restrictions – such as a hose pipe ban – are possible this summer unless the county sees 'significant rainfall' in the coming months. It follows the declaration of drought for the north west of England at the end of May, which covers Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire, and Cumbria and Lancashire. 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. 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.
Daily Mail
5 hours ago
- Climate
- Daily Mail
Festival goers on the Isle of Wight explore ways to keep cool as heatwave expected to hit highs of 34C this weekend
Britons will sweat through 33C heat today with the UK expected to break its record for the warmest day of the year so far for the second consecutive day. The mercury hit a 2025 high of 32.2C (90.0F) at Kew in West London yesterday after the Government placed the whole of England under an amber heat-health alert. And thermometers could soar further today as the first official heatwave of the year continues with 33C (91F) forecast – while tomorrow could rise to 34C (93F). Music fans arriving at the Isle of Wight Festival enjoyed the sunshine as they explored ways to keep cool, from umbrellas to paddling pools and gazebos to parasols. Thousands of partygoers have descended on Seaclose Park in Newport for the four-day event being headlined by Sting, Stereophonics and Justin Timberlake. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued an amber heat-health alert yesterday for the first time since September 2023, which is in force until Monday morning. The five-day alert which began yesterday 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. Temperatures will reach the low 30Cs today and could hit 33C (91F) – with a number of areas expected to have passed the heatwave criteria by this afternoon. An official heatwave is recorded when areas reach a certain temperature for three days in a row, with thresholds varying from 25C (77F) to 28C (82F) in different areas. Met Office forecaster Dan Stroud said: 'We're expecting the hot and dry conditions to continue. It does turn a little bit hazier in the west during the course of Friday. From temperatures to sunshine, UK weather records for June The hottest June temperature recorded in the UK is 35.6C, which was reached in Mayflower Park in Southampton on June 28, 1976. The same temperature was also measured in Camden Square in North London on June 29 1957, according to Met Office data. The closest this record has come to being broken in recent years was in 2017, when 34.5C was reached at Heathrow in London on June 21. Last year, temperatures climbed as high as 30.5C at Wisley in Surrey on June 26. The 30C mark has been reached in June somewhere in the UK in eight of the past 10 years, the exceptions being 2016 and 2021. The highest temperature so far this month is 32.2C, which was provisionally measured at Kew in West London yesterday, the Met Office said. Forecasts suggest 30C will be topped again today and across the weekend, as the current hot spell continues. The average warmest June on record was in 2023, when the mean temperature for the UK across the month was 15.8C. This was almost a full degree higher than the previous record of 14.9C, which was set in both 1940 and 1976. 2023 was also the UK's fifth sunniest June on record, with an average of 245.0 hours of sunshine measured during the month. The record for the sunniest June is 265.1 hours, set in 1957. 'We're still expecting temperatures to reach the low 30Cs, 31C, 32C fairly widely, maybe seeing 33C.' He added that increasing amounts of cloud will move in from the West tomorrow, with a chance of showers, some possibly thundery in North Wales and North West England, while eastern areas will see another dry and hot day. Temperatures will be in the low 30Cs, and probably be the peak of the hot spell on Saturday, as 34C (93F) is possible. However this is still below the June record of 35.6C in 1976 in Southampton. The last time Britain reached 34C (93F) in June was almost six years ago on June 29, 2019 in London. Before today, the warmest day of the year so far had been reached last Friday when temperatures got up to 29.4C (84.9F) at Santon Downham in Suffolk. Mr Stroud said Sunday will be another very warm day in the south and east probably in the late 20Cs. Elsewhere it will be cooler, with highs in the mid-20Cs. Temperatures are set to be in the mid-20Cs by the start of next week. 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.' Ultraviolet (UV) radiation and pollen levels are also climbing alongside temperatures. Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley warned that parts of the UK are in for 'tropical nights' this weekend. He 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'.'. Emma McClarkin, chief executive officer of the British Beer and Pub Association, said sales in some pubs increase almost 20 per cent during hot weather. She said the current heatwave is a 'huge boon for Britain's brewers and pubs'. It comes after a warning was issued as firefighters have responded to more than 500 wildfires across England and Wales this year so far. The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) said that as of yesterday, 564 wildfire incidents have been responded to by English and Welsh fire and rescue services so far this year. This is a 717 per cent increase on the same period in 2024, and more than double the number seen in 2022 which went on to be the worst year on record for wildfires. The NFCC is now urging caution among members of the public when enjoying the outdoors in a bid to prevent further spikes in incidents. As the drier weather continues and temperatures rise, there are also concerns that the UK will see more wildfires in areas where homes and businesses border rural areas, the NFCC added. The public is also being urged to take care when in, on or around water. Public safety advice issued by the NFCC includes avoiding the use of disposable barbecues in open countryside, parks, and moorland areas and not discarding cigarettes, matches, or glass bottles, as they can ignite dry vegetation. With drier conditions during this time of year meaning that fires can burn into peat, and can burn for longer, it is likely some fires will take a number of days - rather than hours - to extinguish, causing more damage and placing further pressure on fire and rescue services, the NFCC added. Across July 18 and 19 in 2022, the hottest days of that year, 84 wildfires were recorded, and 14 fire and rescue services declared major incidents, nine of which were linked to difficulties in responding due to the increase in operational demand, the NFCC said. 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; and keeping fish tanks out of direct sunlight. Others are 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.
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
UK weather - live: Heatwave conditions intensify as Met Office forecasts temperatures of 33C
Temperatures of up to 33C are expected on Friday amid warnings the UK could break its record for the hottest day of the year for the second day in a row,. An amber heat-health alert for all regions is in force until Monday - the first of its kind since September 2023. It warns 'significant impacts are likely' across health and social care services, including a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or people with health conditions. After sweltering temperatures in recent days, a number of areas are expected to have passed the official heatwave criteria by Friday afternoon, the Met Office has said. Temperatures reached as high as 32.2C in Kew, west London, on Thursday and are expected to hit the low 30s again today. Follow our live coverage of the heatwave conditions below: The UK could break its record for the warmest day of the year for the second day in a row, with temperatures up to 33C forecast. Temperatures will be in the low 30s, and probably be the peak of the hot spell on Saturday, as 34C is possible, still below the June record of 35.6C in 1976. Sunday will be another very warm day in the south and east probably in the late 20s, elsewhere it will be cooler, with temperatures in the mid 20s, Mr Stroud said. Read more from PA The UK could break its record for the warmest day of the year for the second day in a row, with temperatures up to 33C forecast. Temperatures will be in the low 30s, and probably be the peak of the hot spell on Saturday, as 34C is possible, still below the June record of 35.6C in 1976. Sunday will be another very warm day in the south and east probably in the late 20s, elsewhere it will be cooler, with temperatures in the mid 20s, Mr Stroud said. Read more from PA
