Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

Heatwave Hits UK, Temperature Reaches 32C | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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The weather will be caused by warmer air blown in from the continent CARL COURT/AFP/Getty Images


London – Following a long rainy winter, British people are enjoying a hot summer and chose to go outside for the hottest day in U.K. with temperatures soaring as high as 32C.

“Yesterday was the hottest day so far with 30C in London and we are expecting it to increase further today,” said Met Office on Tuesday. “We’re possibly looking at 33C, possibly 34C. It’s likely to be in north London, maybe even in the Midlands.”

The unexpected heatwave spiked internet interaction making it among the most tweeted about topics, with #hottestdayoftheyear trending. It divided the users between celebrators of the long awaited hot weather, and complainers about the heat and humidity.

Meanwhile, those on vacation or those who have no plans, took advantage of the weather and enjoyed their times in parks and public areas. Many relaxed outside eating icecream, while employees basked in the sun and had their lunch break outside.

Public Health England (PHE) advised people to apply sunscreen, cover up and stay hydrated.

PHE also called on people to stay out of the sun between 11AM and 3PM, avoid physical activity at the hottest times of the day and stay in the shade. It also advised drinking sufficient amounts of water, closing curtains to keep rooms cool, opening windows and avoiding leaving people and animals in closed, parked vehicles.

Similarly, Network Rail issued warning for all companies to put speed restrictions on trains in certain areas given that rail track temperatures could reach more than 50C.

People unable to handle the heat, especially the elderly, are calling in increasingly, London Ambulance Service (LAS) reported. The registered calls were made at a record-breaking rate.

But the Met Office reported that the hot weather may be interrupted by heavy thunderstorms.

Noting that the highest temperature ever recorded in U.K. was 38.5C in Kent city in 2003.