UK wilts in 31C heatwave: Cavalry Guard ‘faints’ on the Mall
A Cavalry Guard is believed to have fainted on the Mall in London during rehearsals today amid the arrival of the first heatwave of the year.
The guard is thought to have passed out during a procession rehearsal for a state visit of the Emperor and Empress of Japan.
Photographs show the guard lying face down on the ground surrounded by onlookers before they are assisted by a fellow guard.
It comes as health warnings were activated across England today as summer finally arrived with the first heatwave of the year and temperatures soaring to 31C (88F) this week.
The yellow heat health alert was issued by the UK Health Security Agency and Met Office for most of England, with all but the North East included in the warning.
The alert came into force this morning as forecasters said the country would see mostly dry weather with ‘plenty of sunny spells’ and a maximum of 28C (82F).
A Cavalry Guard is believed to have fainted on the Mall in London during rehearsals today
The guard is thought to have passed out during a procession rehearsal for a state visit of the Emperor and Empress of Japan
Photographs show the guard lying face down on the ground surrounded by onlookers before they are assisted by another guard
Hot weather will build throughout this week with Wednesday likely to hit 30C (86F) and Thursday getting to 31C (88F) – before the health alert expires that afternoon.
The hottest day of the year so far will likely be reached today or later this week – with the current 2024 high of 27.5C (81.5F) set on May 12 in Chertsey, Surrey.
Liam Eslick, a meteorologist at the Met Office, said today would bring mostly dry and sunny weather.
Tomorrow, conditions are expected to become cloudy and murky in western Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Some showers will be seen across northern England which could turn thundery, but the rest of the country will see ‘more sunshine’ and temperatures up in the mid to high 20Cs (80Fs).
Mr Eslick said Wednesday was likely to be the warmest of the days so far with highs of 30C (86F) in the South East.
However, Thursday will likely see a breakdown in the weather with clouds and outbreaks of rain forecast across the country.
The meteorologist said there was even the possibility of an ‘odd thunderstorm for some’.
Families head to the beach in Bournemouth today to enjoy the sunshine on the Dorset coast
Paddleboards make the most of the sunshine at Cullercoats Bay in North Tyneside today
A woman takes her dog for a walk through Greenwich Park in South East London this morning
A woman with a handheld fan travelling on a hot London Underground train this morning
A woman walks two dogs through a field in Dunsden, Oxfordshire, in the sunshine this morning
People out in the early morning sunshine in Dunsden, Oxfordshire, today
People go for a jog or cycle in the sun on Blackheath Common in South East London today
Wheat fields in the early morning sunshine today at Dunsden in Oxfordshire
Temperatures on Thursday are expected to remain ‘widely warm’ with some areas seeing highs of up to 31C (88F).
Festival-goers at Glastonbury will have to wait a little longer for more clarity on the outlook for the weekend, though conditions are expected to remain unsettled as temperatures drop back to the average for June. This will likely be around 18C (64F) or 19C (66F).
Somerset Council warned: ‘Attendees are reminded to stay safe during periods of hot weather, especially when walking around the festival. Remember to carry a refillable water bottle with you and drink it throughout the day, wear sun cream and a sunhat and avoid excess alcohol.’
People were also warned to ‘be prepared for hot weather’ by wearing suncream and a hat, drinking plenty of water and to ‘seek shade between 11am and 3pm’.
And the yellow heat alert advises areas of ‘significant impacts’ in the health and social care sector due to the hot temperatures.
Meanwhile Samantha Hughes, national water safety partner at the RNLI, warned of the risk of cold water shock as more people enjoy the sea this week.
‘The forecasted warm weather will mean we’ll see more visitors at the coast and we always want people to enjoy themselves safely,’ she said.
‘Entering the water during warm weather can increase the risk of cold water shock due to the sudden changes in skin temperatures. Enter the water gradually and avoid jumping or diving straight in to reduce your risk of cold-water shock.
‘If you’re planning on heading to the beach, we highly recommend you visit one that is lifeguarded and you swim between the red and yellow flags. This is the safest area and is most closely monitored by lifeguards.
The yellow heat health alert for England, with all but the North East included in the warning
The whole of the UK, except the Scottish Highlands, will have ‘very high’ pollen levels today
She also advised anyone who gets into trouble to ‘Float to Live’, explaining that they should tilt their head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control their breathing, then use their hands to help them stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if possible.
Ms Hughes added that in an emergency at the coast, people should call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard – or ask for the fire service if near inland waters.
The hot weather is also expected to see more people stay indoors and work from home as they shun getting on stuffy trains or travelling in hot cars.
Hay fever and asthma sufferers were warned to expect a ‘pollen bomb’, triggered by rising temperatures after weeks of cold and rain.
Forecasters say the entire country, except the Scottish Highlands, will have ‘very high’ pollen levels.
The charity Asthma + Lung UK urged those with severe symptoms to ‘avoid going outdoors as much as possible’ to prevent severe attacks.
The sun rises over the Oxfordshire countryside at Dunsden on a very warm morning today
The sun rises over the River Mersey in Liverpool this morning at the start of a warm week
Yesterday, the hottest place in the country was Bridlington, in East Yorkshire, with temperatures hitting 24.2C (75.5F).
This time last year saw the hottest June on record for the UK, with an average temperature of 15.8C (60.4F) nearly a whole degree above previous highs for the month.
The hottest day ever recorded in Britain was July 19, 2022 when Coningsby in Lincolnshire hit 40.3C (104.5F).
