Much of the UK enjoyed sunshine on Thursday, with temperatures reaching 25C, and forecasters say the mercury could reach 35C by mid-July. The hot spell is expected to continue for most of next week and into the weekend, especially in southern England, and a level 2 heat warning has been issued for southern and eastern areas. “We are at the start of a spell of warm weather for much of England and Wales which could last for much of next week,” said the Met Office’s deputy chief meteorologist, David Oliver. “In the short term, many can expect temperatures in the mid to high 20s over the weekend and then into the low 30s early next week. Much of next week will remain warm for the time of year as well as dry and sunny.” The forecast prompted warnings to take extra precautions. Matthew Killick, director of crisis and community resilience at the British Red Cross, said: “We’re all looking forward to enjoying some warm weather this summer, but it’s important to remember that heat can be very dangerous, especially for children. older people and people with underlying medical conditions. “Climate change means we are experiencing longer and more intense heatwaves, but an alarming number of people are unaware of the dangers surrounding heatwave. In England alone there were more than 2,500 excess deaths in the summer of 2020 and sadly heat-related deaths in the UK are predicted to triple within 30 years.” The RNLI has urged people to stay safe if visiting beaches during the heatwave. Sam Hughes, national water safety partner at the charity, said: “It’s great to hear the sun is on its way, but we want to remind everyone to stay safe on the coast. If you plan to go to the beach, we would encourage you to visit a lifeguard beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.”
