Heat health alerts strengthened with near-record June temperatures expected

BBC News

a day ago

Update:
Date: 13:10 BST
Title: UV and pollen levels high today, Met Office warns
Content: There's science behind any extra sniffles you may be experiencing today, as the Met Office says UV and pollen levels will be "very high" for many.
UV and pollen levels are highest in eastern and southern England, according to Met Office forecasts.
Met Office spokesperson Stephen Dixon says high pollen levels are due to the weather in late spring, where the combination of warm weather increased grass growth but the dry conditions conversely reduced that growing potential.
"While short dry spells and high temperatures mid-season can increase pollen levels, over a prolonged period this could lead to depletion of the available pollen on the plants," he adds.
Update:
Date: 12:58 BST
Title: Watch: How's the forecast looking for Europe?
Content: While many of us in the UK are sweltering, let's see how others are faring on the mainland.
The highest temperatures will be in central and southern France - where Bordeaux could see temperatures of up to 39 or 40 degrees on Tuesday.
Though a change in the weather front will introduce some fresher air later in the week, here's the full forecast:
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Watch: The weather forecast across Europe
Update:
Date: 12:47 BST
Title: Jacob sells £1 lollies for Glastonbury leavers
Content: Katie RobertsReporting from Shepton Mallet
As we've reported, thousands of people are heading home from the Glastonbury music festival in Somerset today.
In nearby Shepton Mallet, seven-year-old Jacob is keeping the travellers cool by selling £1 ice lollies outside his house.
Update:
Date: 12:37 BST
Title: Frozen lunch on the menu for zoo animals
Content: Katie ThompsonReporting from Twycross Zoo
This gorilla looks on as his ice-cold food is being prepared outside
How do you keep a Columbian black
spider monkey cool in the heat? Give them ice of course!
No, it's not a joke - that's
just one of the things staff here at Twycross Zoo in the East Midlands are
doing to help keep the animals cool today.
In fact ice is on the menu for a
lot of the animals today. Gorillas were served up green beans and sweet
potatoes in a block of ice for lunch - one waited patiently inside as the zoo
keepers spread a few around his enclosure.
A freezing-cold lunch was served to the Gorillas at Twycross Zoo to keep them cool in the heat
The Vicuñas enjoyed a shower in a sprinkler that was set up in their enclosure too.
The heat hasn't deterred visitors though as school trips and parents with toddlers are here enjoying a day out.
Update:
Date: 12:27 BST
Title: Strawberries and (sun)cream at Wimbledon as tennis fans brave the heat
Content: As we've been reporting, provisional Met Office data shows today has seen the hottest opening day at the Wimbledon tennis championships in history.
Some tennis fans, though, have also endured muggy tents and long waits in the sun, having camped for days in the heat to bag a spot at the front of the famous Wimbledon queue.
Vicki Broad, a 57-year-old from Swansea, arrived on Friday morning, and admits: "The sun has been tough but we're in the shade now".
Some are more seasoned in the heat than others.
Maria Iniesta, a 47-year-old physician from Madrid, queued with her husband, sister and children after travelling nearly 5,000 miles for a chance of securing Centre Court tickets.
"For us the weather is fine because we're from Spain but we live in Houston," she says.
"It's been funny to watch the British people sweating - it's been easy for us."
Update:
Date: 12:19 BST
Title: Swimmers making a splash in Cambridgeshire
Content: It's a scorching 32C (89.6F) currently in Peterborough, eastern England, where many people have been pictured flocking to a local lido.
What a day for it in Cambridgeshire.
Update:
Date: 12:13 BST
Title: Record-breaking temperatures hit Swiss Alps
Content: Switzerland has become the latest European country to experience record-breaking temperatures this week.
It's the first time that June has seen the entire Alpine range above 0C (32F).
This means snow and ice will start melting right up to mountain summits, which puts more pressure on Switzerland's glaciers.
Climate scientists say the glaciers will disappear by the end of the century if global warming continues at its current rate.
Update:
Date: 12:06 BST
Title: Hottest start to Wimbledon on record - Met Office provisional data shows
Content: Adam GoldsmithLive reporter
Today has seen the hottest start to the Wimbledon tennis championships on record, provisional Met Office data shows.
It says "temperatures have risen to 29.7C at Kew Gardens", which is nearby in west London, making today "provisionally the warmest start to Wimbledon on record".
Before today's provisional figures, which are subject to change, the hottest opening day on record at Wimbledon was in 2001, when temperatures hit 29.3C.
Update:
Date: 12:00 BST
Title: Brollies not ice-lollies today in Scotland
Content: Joy DunlopBBC Scotland weather forecaster
While much of the UK basks in the sun, rainy clouds are gathering above these horses in Elsrickle, South Lanarkshire
Low
pressure is driving Scotland's forecast this week, giving largely unsettled conditions
for much of the week.
Today, Atlantic fronts will feed in rain from the
west that will be heavy and thundery at times and accompanied by blustery winds.
This mild air flow does mean that it will feel humid for some; with temperatures reaching 20 to 24C widely.
In the Northern and Western Isles, however, it's only forecast to reach the mid-teens.
So, for some it's brollies not ice-lollies today!
Update:
Date: 11:48 BST
Title: A battle to contain wildfires in Turkey
Content: It isn't just parts of the UK that are experiencing warmer weather today.
As we reported a little earlier, other parts of Europe have experienced a weekend of intense heat. Temperatures in much of southern Europe are expected to remain above 40C (104F) today.
In Izmir, Turkey, firefighters have resumed efforts to tackle blazes, which are consuming houses and parts of the surrounding landscape. Here's some of the latest footage we've seen from Turkey:
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Watch: Firefighters battle blazes engulfing houses in Turkey
Update:
Date: 11:40 BST
Title: 'Freeze a whole banana on a kebab stick'
Content: One of our readers has an inventive banana-based solution for keeping cool in the heat
We've been enjoying taking a look at all our readers' comments sent in to us so far. Some of you have been offering some rather unique advice for how to manage high temperatures.
Nikki says "freeze a whole banana on a kebab stick". She tells us it's "delicious and full of potassium; vital in heat".
A "glass of washed grapes in the fridge", too, can be very refreshing, she adds.
Nikki also recommends that people who struggle in the heat "keep a wet flannel in a bowl next to the bed" and run cold water over their wrists for instant relief.
Meanwhile, Shivani in north London, who experiences seizures, recommends people make sure they drink enough water to stay safe.
She tells us that she doesn't think the UK has the best infrastructure to manage heatwaves.
Update:
Date: 11:28 BST
Title: Have you been feeling the heat today? Get in touch
Content: We're interested in hearing from you to find out how the heat is affecting your day.
You can contact us in the following ways:
Update:
Date: 11:22 BST
Title: How unusual are today's temperature forecasts?
Content: Mark PoyntingClimate reporter
Forecasts suggest temperatures of 34C (93F) are possible on Monday.
These temperatures used to be very rare for the UK.
In the second half of the 20th Century, one in 10 years saw highs of 35C or more, BBC analysis of Met Office data shows.
But between 2015 and 2024, half of the years saw 35C or above.
As my BBC Weather colleague Simon King pointed out earlier, these temperatures are even more unusual for June - typically the coolest summer month.
It's just one example of
how very high temperatures are becoming more common.
Update:
Date: 11:17 BST
Title: Health alerts upgraded in Humber, Yorkshire and West Midlands
Content: Simon KingBBC weather presenter and meteorologist
In
the last hour, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) upgraded yellow heat-health
alerts for Humber, Yorkshire and the West Midlands to the more severe amber.
This means significant impacts are likely across health and social care services due to
the high temperatures, which are expected to reach 29C to 31C on Monday afternoon.
The North West is the only region in England to now have a yellow heat-health alert. North East England has no alert in force.
Temperatures
overnight will mainly remain high, only falling to around 16C to 20C in the
early hours of Tuesday morning.
While
Tuesday could be hotter in London and South East England, it'll turn a bit
cooler on Tuesday for most people. But the amber heat-health alerts will remain in
force until Wednesday 09:00 BST.
Update:
Date: 10:59 BST
Title: How dog walks can become deadly when the heat rises
Content: Sean DilleyBBC News correspondent
As a guide dog handler of 26 years, my heart falls every time I hear the fatigued pants of dogs in heatwave weather.
Animal welfare charity the RSPCA says that dogs are 10 times more likely to suffer heat-related illnesses from exercising in hot weather than from overheating in cars. Both are tremendously bad for your dog.
Canines have a very limited ability to regulate their temperature. They don't sweat like humans - only perspiring a small amount through the pads on their paws.
Heavy panting, difficulty breathing, excessive drooling, lethargy and drowsiness are all key signs that your dog is too hot. In extreme cases, dogs vomit and finally lose consciousness.
If your dog is in trouble, the RSPCA says, external you should move the dog to a shaded and cool area and immediately pour cool, but not very cold, water over the dog, avoiding their head.
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Watch: How to keep your pets cool in the heat
Update:
Date: 10:55 BST
Title: Roads closed as fire crews spend second night at Highland wildfires
Content: Fires were reported in the Dava area of Scotland on Saturday night
It is inevitable that with the dry and hot days comes an increased risk of wildfires spreading.
Firefighters have spent a second night at the scene of wildfires north of Grantown-on-Spey in the Highlands.
The alarm was raised at 17:50 BST on Saturday in woodland near Loch Allan and spread over an area of several miles.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service says progress has been made controlling the blazes and adds that crews are monitoring the situation. Rain is forecast in parts of Scotland today.
Three roads remain closed as a result of the fires: the A939 from Ferness to Granton-on-Spey; the A940 from Dava to Logie; and the B9007 from Duthill to Ferness.
Update:
Date: 10:24 BST
Title: How are tennis fans in Wimbledon coping with the heat?
Content: Gem O'ReillyReporting from Wimbledon for BBC Radio London
It's already 24C (75.2F) degrees here in SW19 and temperatures are expected to soar past 30C (86F) later.
Tennis fans who have joined Wimbledon's famous queue have set up umbrellas and deckchairs ahead of what could be a very long wait.
Debbie and her son Reece have been queuing since 06:30 BST
The pair say they are ready for the hot weather and have been keeping cool using ice packs from their carefully-packed picnic.
We've brought a picnic but we still want to get in and eat those strawberries and cream. It's brilliant to just be here, soaking up the sun and the atmosphere."
Tennis fan Debbie at Wimbledon
Update:
Date: 10:12 BST
Title: Heat health alerts across England extended into Wednesday
Content: The UK Health Security Agency has extended the heat health alerts in place across England.
Amber alerts covering Yorkshire and the Humber, the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East and South West will now remain in place until 09:00 BST on Wednesday.
A yellow alert for the North West has also been extended to cover the same time frame.
There is currently no alert in place for the North East.
Health alerts serve to warn the public and provide guidance for NHS England, the government and healthcare professionals.
Update:
Date: 10:08 BST
Title: A small increase in Earth's average temperature can lead to higher heat extremes
Content: Mark PoyntingClimate reporter
It's well-established that
climate change is making heatwaves stronger and more likely.
As humans burn coal, oil
and gas and cut down forests, carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are
released into the atmosphere.
These gases act like a
blanket, causing the planet to heat up.
Even a small increase in
the Earth's average temperature can shift heat extremes to much higher levels.
In parts of south-east England, where the highest temperatures are expected, a heatwave is declared when three consecutive days reach 28C or above.
Scientists at the World Weather Attribution group estimate that such conditions in June are now about 10 times more likely than before humans started to significantly warm the planet.
Update:
Date: 10:02 BST
Title: 'Heatwave, what heatwave?' Business as usual in northern England
Content: Adam GoldsmithLive reporter
Grey clouds gathering in Cumbria
I just stepped out from our newsroom in central London's Broadcasting House to grab a coffee and can confirm it's already sweltering in the capital.
We're hearing a much different story from our readers in the north of England, however.
"Heatwave, what heatwave?" writes Richard, who says it's "business as usual" where he is in west Cumbria.
Alec meanwhile tells us that where he's based, just outside Lancaster, "we are not suffering from the heat". Instead, he says it is currently "completely overcast and 19C".