June 28, 200917 yr Parents warned to keep children indoors as Britain faces emergency heatwave warning By Tom Kelly Last updated at 8:18 PM on 28th June 2009 Comments (26) Add to My Stories Parents were urged to keep babies and young children indoors this week as forecasters predicted temperatures to soar into the nineties. The over 75s and people with heart problems were also advised to stay out of the oppressive heat which is expected to last until at least Saturday. Hospitals have been put on standby to deal with sunstroke victims as the Met Office issued its first ever heatwave warning amid fears that it could become dangerously hot and humid. A Cambridge student relaxes in the sun away from the summer crowds on the River Cam. The country is preparing for a heat wave this week Daisy Melbourne, 2 (l) , and Kitty Mcardie, 4, ® enjoy ice creams in Hyde Park Messing about in boats: Visitors cool down on the river Cam The mercury could hit a high of 91F (33C) by the middle of the week - and temperatures are expected to remain a warm and sticky 64F (18C) at night. Southern England and the Midlands are expected to be hottest areas, but all parts of the country will see high levels of sunshine until next weekend. The Department of Health said children under four and elderly people were especially vulnerable, and should try to stay indoors where possible, especially during the hottest part of the day between 11am and 3pm. They were also advised to drink plenty of water to keep cool and hydrated. London is likely to be especially hot, meaning scorching conditions for Wimbledon fans players as the tournament goes into its second week. A forecaster from the Met Office said: 'It is going to be the first significant heatwave since 2006. 'Temperatures will be in the low thirty degrees Celsius in many parts and somewhere is likely to hit 33 degrees sometime during the course of the week. 'With slack winds it's going to be very humid, although coastal areas will be a little fresher.' The country is currently on amber level two of the Government's Heatwave Plan, but the Met Office expects it could reach level four by midweek - the highest level which denotes a state of emergency with the potential to cause water shortages or overwhelm the health service. It is the first heat warning issued by the Met Office since the system was introduced two years ago. The gradings are designed to allow the NHS to plan for increased admissions and ensure it does not buckle under the strain. A spokesman for MeteoGroup UK, the weather division of the Press Association, said: 'We are looking at a hot spell of weather coming in next week. 'The warm, humid air from the past couple of days is going to stagnate over the UK and the near continent, and will be coupled with strong sunshine and increasing humidity. 'It will become quite oppressive in places next week. There is also a growing risk of thunderstorms throughout the week.' The Health Protection Agency has already began monitoring for cases of 'heat related illness', particularly among the elderly. Enlarge Sunday Festival-goers enjoy the sunshine and respite from the thunderstorms at Glastonbury Enlarge Children play in a fountain on London's south bank Feeling the heat: A member of the Royal British Legion takes a sip of water on a warm Armed Forces Day at Chatham A spokesman for the Department of Health said: 'The heat is especially dangerous for the very young, older people or those with serious illnesses. 'In particular, it can make heart and respiratory problems worse. In extreme cases, excess heat can lead to heat stroke, which can be fatal. 'Keeping the home as cool as possible during hot weather and remembering the needs of friends, relatives and neighbours who could be at risk is essential. 'Elderly people and those who are ill are particularly vulnerable during hot weather and the most oppressive conditions occur in our towns and cities.' The last major heatwave to hit Britain was in 2003, when 2000 people died. A sweltering 102F (39C) was recorded in Brogdale in Kent on 10 August, a record high which still stands. Hard life: One fan hides from the strong sun under his Wimbledon umbrella A tornado forms on the outskirts of Salisbury on Friday evening. Forecasters said to expect frequent thunderstorms next week Tips of how to keep cool in the heatwave... People with serious health problems (for example heart conditions), should avoid going out in the heat, especially between 11am and 3pm.Drink cold drinks such as water or fruit juice regularly and avoid tea, coffee and alcohol.Stay tuned to the weather forecast and plan ahead with supplies - think of elderly neighbours who may need help.Keep plenty of water to hand and stay in the shade where possible.Identify the coolest room in the house to use as a room to cool down or sleep in.
June 28, 200917 yr Ninety-one?? Oh come on... as I type this it's 97 outside here and people jog in this weather. :P Just wear a tee, gym shorts, drink water, and don't stay outside for more than an hour at a time. Oh yeah and don't forget sunscreen to protect your pasty white British skin!
June 28, 200917 yr Author Ninety-one?? Oh come on... as I type this it's 97 outside here and people jog in this weather. :P Just wear a tee, gym shorts What about those people who find T-shirts and shorts offensive??:rolleyes:
June 28, 200917 yr It's right at 100 here every day and way over 100 with the heat index. The British are wimps. :P
June 28, 200917 yr Author It's right at 100 here every day and way over 100 with the heat index. The British are wimps. :P I dare you to say that at Wembley in September....................... :rolleyes:
June 28, 200917 yr Heat has never bothered me, it's the cold that I can't stand. With the advent of air conditioning and sunscreen (and illegal immigrant manual labor), our summertime lives are better than ever!
June 28, 200917 yr I dare you to say that at Wembley in September....................... :rolleyes:I hope it's 90+ then the Brits will stay home and I'll have the Coldplays all to myself.
June 28, 200917 yr Author Maybe it would be better for everyone to wear a burkha............................. :rolleyes:
June 28, 200917 yr Author I hope it's 90+ then the Brits will stay home and I'll have the Coldplays all to myself. But as you're a nurse, if anyone faints you'll be obliged to treat them and miss the concert!!:P
June 28, 200917 yr I played 2 hours of Basketball last week during 98 degree weather....heat index was almost 115!(I hate the south)
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