Warnings updated as high temperatures forecast for Peterborough today

The current forecast shows high temperatures for the Peterborough area with the peak expected between 3pm and 6pm.

Elsewhere the UK could see record-breaking temperatures, with forecasters saying it could be the hottest day of the year.

People are being warned not to be “caught out” by soaring temperatures, with the UK expected to be hotter than some of Europe’s top holiday destinations, including Ibiza and Tenerife.

The mercury is set to rise to 37C (98.6F) in London and the South East today, the second day of a heatwave expected to last until at least Sunday.

Forecasters believe Friday could even surpass the 37.8C (100.04F) recorded in Heathrow on July 31 – the hottest day of the year so far, and the UK’s third warmest ever.

But the Met Office has warned that after a slightly cooler week people could underestimate the heat, which could cause dehydration and sunburn, especially among the most vulnerable.

Grahame Madge, a Met Office spokesman, said: “Everyone needs to be careful during this heatwave, especially on Friday, where we are going to see a dramatic rise in temperature in some parts, exceeding the heatwave threshold.

“After a slightly cooler week, people should make sure they aren’t caught out. If you need to travel, keep hydrated and apply sunscreen; the chance of sunburn and dehydration will be much higher.”

The threshold for a heatwave is three days of temperatures over 25C (77F) across most of the nation and 28C (82.4F) in London.

Public Health England (PHE) has issued a heat-health warning, with people advised to stay cool indoors by closing curtains that face the sun and ensuring pets or children are not kept in vehicles.

Ishani Kar-Purkayastha, consultant in public health at Public Health England, said: “This summer, many of us are spending more time at home due to Covid-19. A lot of homes can overheat, so it’s important we continue to check on older people and those with underlying health conditions, particularly if they’re living alone and may be socially isolated.”

Elderly people are among the most vulnerable to hot weather, with advice telling them to contact neighbours if they are living alone, to try to stay indoors during the afternoon and to carry a bottle of water when out.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: “We want older people to continue to enjoy the warm weather but, if it becomes uncomfortably hot, we advise some sensible precautions, particularly for anyone who has breathing problems or a heart condition.

“It’s a good idea to remain indoors during the worst of the heat during the day. It’s also advised to wear thin, light clothing, drink plenty of fluids and to eat normally, but perhaps more cold food than usual, particularly salads and fruit which contain a lot of water and help us stay hydrated.

“We know that extreme heat can aggravate lung and heart conditions so our advice is to take care and if you are breathless, even after you have rested, to seek medical advice.”

Motorists looking to travel to seaside locations have been urged to ensure cooling systems are filled to the correct level, to look at the coolant date and to not overload their vehicle with luggage.

Breakdown experts Green Flag has predicted just under 127,000 breakdowns to occur between Friday and Wednesday, which translates to 15 breakdowns every minute.

Earlier this week Peterborough City Council urged eledrly and vulnerable residents to take extra care during the hot temperatures.

Director of Public Health at Cambridgeshire County and Peterborough City Council, Dr Liz Robin, said: “Hot weather is enjoyable for most people though for some it is uncomfortable.

“Sadly experience tells us that exposure to excessive heat can have a serious effect upon your health.

“It is especially harmful for those with heart and lung problems as excessive heat can worsen their condition and may increase their risk of death.

“We’re asking people to look out for those at risk from high temperatures - the elderly, ill or the very young; to make sure they are able to keep cool.”

Dr Robin also reminded residents to stay safe from infection if going out to meet family and friends.

The council reiterated that the public should still stay 2m apart where possible, wash your hands regularly and wear face coverings over your nose and mouth in enclosed spaces.

Dr Robin saidthat those in the high risk categories for coronavirus such as the elderly or people with other medical conditions, are also those at an elevated risk from the heat.

More guidance on this can be found here.

Some of the steps you can take to keep yourselves and others cool are:

-Look out for others, especially older people, young children and babies and those with underlying health conditions

-Shade or cover windows that are exposed to direct sunlight during the day, and open windows at night when the temperature has dropped.

-Drink plenty of water as sugary, alcoholic and caffeinated drinks can make you more dehydrated

-Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals

-Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm

-Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat, if you have to go out in the heat

-Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day

-Wear light, loose fitting cotton clothes

-Make sure you take water with you if you are travelling

More information on these guidelines can be found at www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Summerhealth/Pages/Heatwave.aspx.

Council highway teams will also be on alert to grit the road with granite dust to protect them from the heat, should this be required.

The public has also been reminded to think of the dangers of swimming in open water. It could be deeper than expected, cold or may contain hidden rubbish or debris.

More information on this can be found https://www.cambsfire.gov.uk/community-safety/outdoor-safety/water-safety/.