Jump directly to the content

SCORCHING sunshine will make Britain hotter than Malibu today as the country braces itself for an impeding heatwave.

Brits can expect soaring heat of around 29C on Thursday with the temperature only set to increase in the coming days.

Brits are expected to flock to the beaches in their droves for the sunny weather
7
Brits are expected to flock to the beaches in their droves for the sunny weatherCredit: BNPS
Twin sisters Olivia and Grace Jenman were among those enjoying Wednesday's heat in Brighton
7
Twin sisters Olivia and Grace Jenman were among those enjoying Wednesday's heat in BrightonCredit: David McHugh / Brighton Pictures
But the Met Office has issued a severe heat warning to sun-starved Brits
7
But the Met Office has issued a severe heat warning to sun-starved BritsCredit: ©Graham Hunt

On Wednesday, the Met Office recorded the hottest day of the year so far as the nation was hit with a sizzling 27.8C - prompting the Met Office to issue a severe heat warning.

Friday is likely to see highs of 34C with sun-starved Brits set to pack the nation’s beaches and parks this weekend

But Thursday’s heat will usurp Malibu, California where temperatures are expected to go no higher than 23C.

The warm flow of weather is coming from Spain and Portugal, where daytime temperatures have exceeded 40C in some regions.

READ MORE WEATHER STORIES

Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said: "We have got high pressure at the moment so we are getting a certain amount of natural homegrown heat building up because obviously we have got clear skies and fairly dry ground conditions across southern England.

"We have also got warmer air being brought up from further south in Europe where there has been a major heat incident, particularly in Iberia, so that's leading to the sort of crescendo we will see on Friday.

"Because of the direction of the flow, with the weather pattern we have got set up in our latitude, that is encouraging this warm flow of air to come further north.

"We have got the heat building day by day. The next couple of days will be hotter than the preceding day.

"We think at the moment, although there is some uncertainty, that the weather temperatures will peak on Friday and then largely we will be in for a cooler day on Saturday.

"Heat may remain potentially into Saturday but for most parts of the UK because we have got a cold front moving down from further north we will see temperatures coming back down - but they may just hang on in southern England."

Despite the sunny weather, the temperatures have forced the Met Office and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to issue heat-health alerts.

A level two warning - called alert and readiness - has been put in place for a large part of southern and central England.

First aid and health response charity St John Ambulance has issued some tips to handle the hot weather.

Its medical director Dr Lynn Thomas said: "If you're out and about in the sunshine, it's important to make sure you look after yourself by staying hydrated, keeping out of the sun at peak times, and by wearing sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30.

"I would also encourage anyone with elderly relatives and neighbours to check in with them, as any increase in temperature can be dangerous."

Meanwhile charity Age UK is urging elderly people to take some simple precautions, particularly if they have breathing problems or a heart condition.

Caroline Abrahams, of the charity, said: "Older people can be at risk of dehydration and overheating when it gets hot, especially if they live somewhere that is hard to keep cool.

"So it's a good idea to let people know if you have any concerns about yourself, especially if you live alone.

"For the rest of us, checking in on older relatives and neighbours is a nice idea - for example, you may have an extra fan you can lend, and the offer of an ice cream when it is sweltering will usually be appreciated too.

"Taking simple steps to keep cool during the hottest parts of the day is a good idea."

She advised elderly people to remain indoors, wear light clothing and drink plenty of water during the warmest times in the day.

However, the hot weather won't last forever as temperatures will take a sudden drop next week.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

Read More on The Sun

While Brits are currently enjoying tropical heat across the UK, the glorious weather won't last.

Temperatures could drop by 10C as early as Monday next week.

London is expected to see the highest temperatures on Thursday
7
London is expected to see the highest temperatures on ThursdayCredit: PA
The temperature will reportedly be hotter than Malibu
7
The temperature will reportedly be hotter than MalibuCredit: LNP
A group of lads enjoyed the cooling breeze and a beer in a floating hot tub in Canary Wharf
7
A group of lads enjoyed the cooling breeze and a beer in a floating hot tub in Canary WharfCredit: Tom Bowles / Story Picture Agency
Punters in Cambridge were out in force to soak up the sunny weather on Wednesday
7
Punters in Cambridge were out in force to soak up the sunny weather on WednesdayCredit: Geoff Robinson
Topics