Menu
04/07/2006
Drivers urged to take care in heatwave conditions
Drivers have been urged to take extra care on the roads as continuing high temperatures continue to affect the UK.
The Highways Agency has urged motorists to ensure they have drinking water in their vehicle. In a statement, the Highways Agency said: "Drivers and their passengers, including pets, can become dehydrated in their vehicles during hot weather and carrying water can help them deal with high temperatures. We want travellers to not suffer discomfort from the effects of dehydration."
Severe thunderstorms and heavy downpours have also been forecast for different parts of the UK and the Highways Agency warned that heavy rain and spray were likely to reduce visibility on the roads.
Drivers have been urged to slow down and keep well back from the vehicle travelling in front because it takes longer to slow down and stop in wet weather. Motorists are also advised to test their brakes after driving through water.
The Highways Agency recommends that drivers should check the latest information on weather and road conditions before setting out on their journey. Information is available from the Met Office website at: www.metoffice.gov.uk and from the Highways Agency website at: www.highways.gov.uk
Defra has also issued a warning about continuing summer smog due to the high temperatures.
High ozone levels were recorded over the weekend in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Brighton, Leicester, Portsmouth, Swansea, the Midlands, north-east, north-west, south-east, and south-west England, East Anglia and South Wales.
On Tuesday, ozone concentrations are expected to remain high in England, where no thunderstorms are forecast, and moderate in Wales, Northern Ireland and some parts of Scotland. Ozone levels are expected to be low in northern Scotland.
However, ozone concentrations are expected to reduce to moderate and low across the UK on Wednesday, as forecast back-trajectories become westerly and temperatures decline.
Some people are more sensitive to ozone than others and may begin to notice an effect on their breathing. Avoiding exercise outdoors in the afternoon can reduce exposure to ozone.
People with asthma are not necessarily more sensitive but, if affected, can use their 'reliever' inhaler.
Further information on action to take during periods of hot weather is available in the Heat Wave Plan available at: www.dh.gov.uk
(KMcA/SP)
The Highways Agency has urged motorists to ensure they have drinking water in their vehicle. In a statement, the Highways Agency said: "Drivers and their passengers, including pets, can become dehydrated in their vehicles during hot weather and carrying water can help them deal with high temperatures. We want travellers to not suffer discomfort from the effects of dehydration."
Severe thunderstorms and heavy downpours have also been forecast for different parts of the UK and the Highways Agency warned that heavy rain and spray were likely to reduce visibility on the roads.
Drivers have been urged to slow down and keep well back from the vehicle travelling in front because it takes longer to slow down and stop in wet weather. Motorists are also advised to test their brakes after driving through water.
The Highways Agency recommends that drivers should check the latest information on weather and road conditions before setting out on their journey. Information is available from the Met Office website at: www.metoffice.gov.uk and from the Highways Agency website at: www.highways.gov.uk
Defra has also issued a warning about continuing summer smog due to the high temperatures.
High ozone levels were recorded over the weekend in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Brighton, Leicester, Portsmouth, Swansea, the Midlands, north-east, north-west, south-east, and south-west England, East Anglia and South Wales.
On Tuesday, ozone concentrations are expected to remain high in England, where no thunderstorms are forecast, and moderate in Wales, Northern Ireland and some parts of Scotland. Ozone levels are expected to be low in northern Scotland.
However, ozone concentrations are expected to reduce to moderate and low across the UK on Wednesday, as forecast back-trajectories become westerly and temperatures decline.
Some people are more sensitive to ozone than others and may begin to notice an effect on their breathing. Avoiding exercise outdoors in the afternoon can reduce exposure to ozone.
People with asthma are not necessarily more sensitive but, if affected, can use their 'reliever' inhaler.
Further information on action to take during periods of hot weather is available in the Heat Wave Plan available at: www.dh.gov.uk
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 June 2005
Government issues warning on summer 'smog'
The government has warned people to take precautions against summer 'smog'. High ozone levels have been forecast across a number of areas in England today, including London, the southeast, East Anglia and central England. The high levels are expected to persist until Saturday, after which cooler conditions and more changeable weather are forecast.
Government issues warning on summer 'smog'
The government has warned people to take precautions against summer 'smog'. High ozone levels have been forecast across a number of areas in England today, including London, the southeast, East Anglia and central England. The high levels are expected to persist until Saturday, after which cooler conditions and more changeable weather are forecast.
16 April 2003
High temperatures bring rise in ozone levels
The warm weather today may be a blessing for sun-worshippers, but it can also have a negative effect for others, the government has warned today.
High temperatures bring rise in ozone levels
The warm weather today may be a blessing for sun-worshippers, but it can also have a negative effect for others, the government has warned today.
09 June 2006
Defra warns of 'summer smog'
Sunny, warm weather over Southern and Eastern England over the next few days is likely to lead to the first summer smogs of 2006, Defra has warned. High ozone levels are forecast from Saturday for Eastern and Southeast England and East and West Midlands and are likely to persist at least until Monday.
Defra warns of 'summer smog'
Sunny, warm weather over Southern and Eastern England over the next few days is likely to lead to the first summer smogs of 2006, Defra has warned. High ozone levels are forecast from Saturday for Eastern and Southeast England and East and West Midlands and are likely to persist at least until Monday.
29 July 2004
Government makes greenhouse gasses pledge as 'summer smog' hits England
The UK has today joined a US-led partnership that seeks to cut global methane gas emissions - on the day that the south east of England was warned to take precautions over the summer's first ozone smog.
Government makes greenhouse gasses pledge as 'summer smog' hits England
The UK has today joined a US-led partnership that seeks to cut global methane gas emissions - on the day that the south east of England was warned to take precautions over the summer's first ozone smog.
04 August 2003
Heat wave raises air pollution levels
The UK's heat wave, which is expected to last most of the week, could have a less than positive effect for some people as the sun cooks up a summer smog for southern Britain. High levels of ozone were recorded yesterday in London and high levels were expected again today in London, southern and central England and south Wales.
Heat wave raises air pollution levels
The UK's heat wave, which is expected to last most of the week, could have a less than positive effect for some people as the sun cooks up a summer smog for southern Britain. High levels of ozone were recorded yesterday in London and high levels were expected again today in London, southern and central England and south Wales.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Another cloudy and mild night with the odd spot of light drizzle. More widespread outbreaks of rain will spread southeast into western parts of Tyrone, Fermanagh and Derry late in the night. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
