Families are heading to beaches and tourist spots across Britain today to enjoy the hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures reaching 32C (90F).
Bosses are bracing for workers to decide to take time off as fears of sickness absence rise again, as they did after England’s big football games at Euro 2024.
The Met Office said a generally dry day with plenty of sunshine will turn into a hot day for many, with the heat peaking later in southern England and Wales.
But even though the sun is expected to stick around for another day or two, people may need to keep an umbrella handy as thunderstorms are expected on Thursday.
Temperatures are set to peak in the South East today and tomorrow as Britons continue to enjoy the heatwave, but then things look set to change abruptly as storms are forecast to hit much of England and Wales later in the week.
The Met Office even issued a warning for much of England on Thursday due to heavy rain – with up to 90mm (3.5in) of rain falling in 24 hours.
Met Office chief meteorologist Frank Saunders said large parts of the UK will feel the heat until midweek.
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“Temperatures are expected to peak around 32C in the south-east of England on Tuesday and Wednesday, with much of the UK experiencing dry, fine and warm conditions in the first half of the week,” he said.
Alan Price, managing director of BrightHR, which monitors absenteeism for more than a million employees across 50,000 UK businesses, added: “We are seeing a significant increase in sickness absence due to the hot weather.”
Even if the heat persists on Wednesday, there is a risk of summer thunderstorms in southern regions.
Thursday is expected to turn into a more unsettled day with potentially severe thunderstorms at times. On Friday, rain is expected to move west.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued yellow heat health warnings for all parts of England except the north east and north west until 9am on Friday.
He warned that the expected heat could have “significant impacts” on the health and social care sector in the south-east and London, with minor impact elsewhere.
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These conditions are likely to impact ‘vulnerable’ people, such as the elderly and those with multiple health conditions.
The Met Office said a heatwave is considered a heatwave if a location records at least three consecutive days with maximum temperatures exceeding a designated value – 25C for most of the UK, reaching 28C in and around London, where temperatures are generally higher.
The hottest day of the year so far saw a temperature of 31.9°C (89.4°F) recorded in St James’s Park in London on 19 July.
But while many are enjoying the warmth, Met Office deputy chief meteorologist David Oliver has issued a warning for southern regions, telling them to prepare for a wild and wet weekend.
“There is a risk of thundery showers in parts of southern England on Wednesday and then on Thursday there is a signal that potentially very severe thunderstorms will develop,” he said.
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“There are still details to be confirmed during this period, but in any case, there is a possibility of impacts every day, especially Thursday.”
He added: “Thursday’s heaviest showers could bring 20-30mm of rain in an hour, with daily totals reaching 90mm if multiple showers hit the same location. Lightning and hail present additional hazards, with disruption likely for some.”
“This is a developing forecast element, so it is important to stay up to date with the latest outlook in the coming days.”
In England, the average rainfall in August is 75mm (2.95in), meaning more than a month’s worth of rain could fall in one day.
Forecasters said in the thunderstorm warning, in effect from noon to midnight Thursday, there could be road closures, train delays and power outages.
She also said there is “a low risk that homes and businesses will be flooded” and pose “a danger to life.”
Toolstation reported that its outdoor furniture sales increased by 448% compared to the previous week, while sales of cooling fans increased by 207%.
The DIY and distribution brand also saw its sales of watering cans increase by 31%, and its sales of its range of sprinklers and water sprayers increase by 23%.
At the same time, Lakeland said sales of its gas pizza oven were up 72%, its ice cream maker up 59% and its picnic hampers up 25%.
Also this week, London Fire Brigade urged parents and guardians to explain to children the risks of jumping into water and swimming in open water.
Craig Carter, LFB Assistant Commissioner for Prevention and Safeguarding, said: “It is a sad statistic that the risk of drowning in England increases as children reach their teenage years, and teenagers are the group most likely to drown accidentally.
“It may be tempting to cool off with a swim. But despite the heat, rivers are cold enough to cause thermal shock that can affect anyone, regardless of their physical condition.”
“This can cause panic, anxiety, disorientation and loss of muscle control, causing the person to gasp for breath and inhale water as a result.”
He urged anyone in a dangerous situation to “float and survive”, which involves tilting your head back and putting your ears in the water; trying to relax and breathe normally; gently moving your hands to help you stay afloat if necessary; and spreading your arms and legs to improve stability. Once you have controlled your breathing, you should then call for help or swim to safety.
Mr Carter added that he was urging people not to take disposable barbecues with them into open spaces as they can cause grass fires, particularly in hot weather when the ground is dry.
