Heatwave: Here's how to stay safe in the sun
The UK is expected to see its hottest ever July day, with temperatures soaring above 30C today, 23 July.
Forecasters predict temperatures of up to 37C before the end of theweek, surpassing the current record for a day in July - 36.7C at Heathrow Airport in 2015.
Temperatures today, 23 July, are to reach above 30C in Birmingham, Cardiff, Liverpool, Portsmouth and London.
The NHS has released the following advice on how to cope with the hot weather:
Shut windows and pull down the shades when it's hotter outside.
Avoid the heat: stay out of the sun and do not go out between 11am and 3pm if you're vulnerable to the effects of heat.
Keep rooms cool by using shades or reflective material outside the windows.
Have cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water.
Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol.
Water, lower fat milks and tea and coffee are good options.
Listen to alerts on the radio, TV and social media about keeping cool.
Plan ahead to make sure you have enough supplies, such as food, water and any medicines you need.
Identify the coolest room in the house so you know where to go to keep cool.
Wear loose, cool clothing, and a hat and sunglasses.
Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves.
Who is most at risk during the hot weather?
Older people, especially those over 75
Babies and young children
People with a serious long-term condition
People with mobility problems
People with serious mental health problems
People on certain medicines, including those that affect sweating
People who misuse alcohol or drugs
People who are physically active – for example, labourers or those doing sports
Of course, the warm weather does have some benefits, as Barry from Leicester has found.
The advice on keeping cool during the heatwave, came as welfare charity the Dogs Trust advised owners to not leave pets alone in a hot car seat even for a few minutes.
The charity issued some tips for dog owners to keep their pets safe in the heat, including:
Avoid walking your dog at the hottest times of the day.
Tarmac can get very hot in the sun – check it with your hand before letting your dog walk on it so they don’t burn their paws.
Avoid long car journeys but if you do have to take your dog in the car, avoid the hottest and busiest times of the day, use a sunblind for shade, avoid congested roads as much as possible, take regular breaks and have plenty of water on board.