Health warnings as the heat is on
- 00:02:22
- ITN
Health warnings as the heat is on
Record-breaking temperatures could be seen around the country as Britain basks in a heatwave. Bookmakers Ladbrokes put at 7/1 the odds of the mercury rising above the highest temperature ever recorded in the UK - thermometers reached a whopping 38.5C (101.3F) in Kent in August 2003. Spokesman Robin Hutchison said: "If the forecasters are to be believed, the thermometer could hit treble figures more times than England's batsman this summer. A nationwide gamble could seriously burn the bookies and see profits evaporate overnight." The Met Office has issued a "heat health" warning for this week, with a 60 per cent chance of temperatures reaching 32C (89.6F) while night time temperatures in some areas could remain as high as 18C (64.4F). The Department of Health said the elderly and young children are most at risk from heat stroke and advised staying out of the sun, avoiding going out in the hottest part of the day and strenuous activities, and drinking plenty of water. Meteogroup forecaster Rachel Vince said: "It continues through the first half of the week, very warm and very muggy. We might see temperatures picking up to 30C by Wednesday. It's not going to be wall to wall sunshine, showers will break out in the afternoon." She added: "The most prone areas are through the central part of the country, as showers develop over land at this time of the year. But most parts of the UK will see some sunshine." The weather will be similar towards the end of the week and into next weekend, she said. Ladbrokes is offering odds of 8/1 that Wales beats its top temperature of 35.2C, and 17/2 that Scotland tops 32.9C or Northern Ireland exceeds 30.8C. It has also set at 13/2 the likelihood that temperatures this week will exceed 33C (91.4F).
ITN | June 29, 2009
