17/07/2006

Britain basks in soaring temperatures

England and Wales are enjoying soaring temperatures to rival even holiday resorts in Spain and the Canary Islands.

Temperatures of 33C have been predicted in London, beating predicted temperatures of 31C in Ibiza and 27C in the Canaries.

The soaring temperatures have increased expectations that a new record high temperature will be set in the UK. The previous highest ever temperature recorded was in Faversham, Kent on August 10, 2003, when temperatures reached 38.5C.

The Met Office said that there was a 30% possibility that the record could be broken on Wednesday.

Most of the areas of the UK were predicted to be hot and sunny on Monday, although it was expected to be cloudy and drizzly in northern and parts of western Scotland.

The Met Office has predicted that most areas will remain very hot and sunny on Tuesday, although there is a risk of scattered thundery showers over northern Scotland.

The Met Office warned that even hotter air would move across from continental Europe over the coming days causing temperatures to rise even further.

However, the outlook is for less hot weather to move across the country by the end of the week, although temperatures are expected to remain above average for the rest of the month.

The Met Office's Solar UV Index is remaining at six or seven for most of England and Wales for the first three days of the week.

A seven rating means that there is a very high risk of skin damage to fair-skinned people who burn. Those with fair skin who tan have a high risk, while those with brown or black skin have a medium risk.

The Highways Agency has issued a reminder to drivers to take drinking water with them on their journeys. 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 enjoy the good weather and not suffer any discomfort from the effects of dehydration."

(KMcA/GB)

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