UK weather: Britons urged to stay safe as heatwave brings hottest day of the year

Mercury could hit 33C in some parts on Wednesday, forecasters say

Britain has recorded its hottest day of the year so far after the mercury hit 31C near Heathrow, London.

Forecasters say temperatures will continue to climb on Wednesday meaning that record could be broken by the end of the day.

Much of the UK can expect temperatures in the mid-to-high 20s on Wednesday, while large swathes of central England and eastern Wales will see the mercury rise above 30C.

Britons have been urged to take precautions when enjoying the sun this week as temperatures continue to soar across the country.

Forecasters have issued warnings over UV levels, which are going to be “exceptionally high” over the next couple of days.

Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said UV levels will be “reaching eight across many places and... nine across parts of Devon and Cornwall tomorrow.

“That’s about as high as it gets really in the UK. The sun is as strong as it gets at the moment because we’re so close to the solstice.

“We’ve got peak sun strength, clear skies, plenty of sunshine – it’s the perfect ingredients for high UV.”

Mr Burkill advised that anyone staying outside for prolonged periods of time on Wednesday and Thursday should take measures to protect themselves.

Shoppers have also been advised to be aware they could be forced to spend extra time in the sun as a result of social distancing measures.

Dr Lynn Thomas, Medical Director at St John Ambulance, said: “You could end up in the sun for longer than expected on what would normally be a quick journey, such as queueing to enter the supermarket, so you should be prepared to look after yourself and others.”

She added: “Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are two of the most serious problems that can develop when the mercury soars but by being prepared you can spot the early warning signs, such as headache and dizziness.”

Tuesday was not quite the hottest day of the year, as the 28.6C recorded at Heathrow Airport and Kew Gardens fell short of the 28.9C recorded at the end of May.

“But we are going to beat it tomorrow and the day after,” Mr Burkill said.

He predicted temperatures would edge towards 33C as we experience “lots of hot and sunny weather through the next couple of days”.

Mr Burkill added: “The heat is going to be quite widespread, even across parts of Scotland we could be looking at highs of 26 or 27.”

“The nights are going to be uncomfortably hot as well, so people who are susceptible to the heat will struggle.”

Additional reporting by Press Association