Heatwave Alert - England

Plank · 28-06-2009, 11:59 AM

Updated BBC article

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8122969.stm

A heatwave is to hit the UK bringing soaring day and night time temperatures and thundery showers throughout the week, the BBC's weather unit have said.
In London the temperature will rise steadily from about 29C on Sunday to about 32C by the end of the week.
In the rest of the UK temperatures will climb from about 22C on Sunday to about 29C on Friday.
However, BBC weather said an on-shore breeze will keep Eastern England and Eastern Scotland cooler during Sunday.
On Friday the Met Office issued a heatwave alert for England and Wales and the Department of Health has asked people to check up on vulnerable friends, relatives and neighbours.
NHS staff have also been warned to prepare for a surge of elderly and ill patients suffering from the heat.
Hit by lightening
The Met Office has predicted that around the country daytime temperatures could reach 29-30C, with minimum night-time temperatures of 15-18C.
London, the East of England, South West, South East and the Midlands are the most likely to be affected.
Above average temperatures are expected in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The high temperatures will be accompanied by high humidity and thundery showers, BBC weather centre said.
Various parts of England were hit by severe thunderstorms on Saturday night.
In Birmingham, a 16-year-old boy suffered a cardiac arrest and five others were hurt in a lightning strike.

Officials had already said this summer may be warmer than the past couple of years.
With climate change, heatwaves are likely to become more common over the next few decades and the Chief Medical Officer has warned of an increase in deaths in times of hot weather.
Heatwave guidance
The Department of Health has advised people to keep their homes as cool as possible and remembering the needs of friends, relatives and neighbours who could be at risk is essential.
"Windows should be kept shaded and closed when the temperature is hotter outside than inside.
"People with respiratory problems should stay inside during the hottest part of the day," a DoH spokesman said.
Other advice in the government's heatwave plan includes to drink cold drinks like water or fruit juice regularly and avoid tea, coffee and alcohol.
Help the Aged and Age Concern welcomed the advice.
A spokesman said: "Older people, especially those on medication, can often find coping with the heat particularly difficult."