Good luck to anyone planning on commuting on the London Underground in the coming days as a heatwave is sweeping into the capital.
London and most of the east of England will be under a yellow heat health alert from 5pm today, just in time for the evening rush hour, which will stay in place until Saturday night.
The alerts bring an end to the rubbish weather conditions we’ve seen so far this summer, with consistent low pressure bringing heavy winds, clouds, rain and thunderstorms, and bang average temperatures.
This map shows the temperature hotspots forecast across the UK – and unsurprisingly London and the south east are seeing the warmest weather.
The Met Office predicts highs of up to 31°C in the capital, with up to 25°C predicted for Cardiff, 20°C for Plymouth, and 27°C for Manchester.
Scotland and Northern Ireland are set to be much cooler, however, with highs of 20°C predicted in Glasgow and 19°C in Belfast.
The Met Office says: ‘Outbreaks of rain across Northern Ireland and western Scotland easing through the day.
‘Largely dry with sunny spells elsewhere, feeling very warm in the sunshine.
‘Mostly dry and very warm or hot on Friday. Thundery showers on Saturday and likely remaining hot in the east or south east.
‘Cooler, cloudier with some rain likely on Sunday.’
In response to the heat health warning, the London Fire Brigade has warned Londoners to enjoy the sun safely amid the risk of grass fires.
Assistant Commissioner Craig Carter said: ‘We know many Londoners will want to enjoy the weather by visiting a park or open space. However, we’re asking people not to take disposable barbecues with them as they can cause grass fires, especially in hot weather when the ground is dry.
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‘These fires are unpredictable and can spread rapidly, causing a significant amount of damage.
‘Don’t be tempted to barbecue on your balcony either. Balconies can contain combustible materials which can pose a risk to those barbecuing and others living nearby.
‘If you are having a barbecue, never leave it unattended and be careful where it’s positioned.
‘Aim for level ground and keep barbecues well away from anything flammable like sheds, fences, trees, or tents.’
He also warned of the dangers of jumping into water to cool off, due to the risk of cold water shock and drowning.
‘It’s a sad statistic that the risk of drowning in England increases as children reach their teenage years, and that teenage boys are the most likely group to accidentally drown,’ Assistant Commissioner Carter said.
‘It can be tempting to cool off from the heat by going for a swim. But despite the heat, London’s waterways are still cold enough to put a person into cold water shock which can affect anybody, no matter their fitness.
‘It can cause panic, anxiety, disorientation, and loss of muscular control, which causes a person to gasp for air – inhaling water as a result.
‘Rather than struggling, “float to live”. Tilt your head back and submerge your ears. Try to relax and breathe normally. Gently move your hands to help you stay afloat if you need to.
‘Spread your arms and legs out to improve stability – and it’s OK if your legs sink, we all float differently. Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety.
‘If you see someone in the water, fight the urge to try and rescue them yourself. Instead, keep your eye trained on them, call 999, and use what.3.words to tell the operator with a precise location.
‘If you’re planning on taking part in water sports, use life jackets and don’t jump into the water. We’re not here to spoil anyone’s fun – but there is a very real risk when it comes to London’s canals, waterways, and the Thames.’
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