Week-long heatwave set to hit UK

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he said the teacher at school told him.

A heatwave is to hit the UK bringing soaring temperatures in the day and at night and thundery showers throughout the week, the BBC's weather unit says.

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 to about 29C.

The Met Office has issued a heatwave warning for England and Wales and the Department of Health has asked people to check on elderly friends and family.

NHS staff have also been warned to prepare for a surge of elderly and ill patients suffering from the heat.

The hottest day of the year so far was last Thursday when thermometers at Heathrow Airport recorded a high of 28C.

Hit by lightning

On Monday, temperatures in London and the South East could rise to 30C, only falling to around 18C overnight.

People with respiratory problems should stay inside during the hottest part of the day
Department of Health spokesman

Elsewhere in England and Wales, highs in the mid and upper 20s are likely. In southern Scotland, 22C to 23C is expected, with highs of about 20C in the northern isles.

The Met Office says those daily highs are likely to rise through the week, especially in London, the East of England, South West, South East and the Midlands.

The high temperatures will be accompanied by high humidity and heavy, thundery showers, BBC weather centre said, with western areas likely to see the wettest weather.

Various parts of England were hit by severe thunderstorms on Saturday night.

In Birmingham, a 17-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.

Older people, especially those on medication, can often find coping with the heat particularly difficult
Age Concern

"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 such as 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."