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In Pictures: Europe Swelters Through Heatwave Amid Pandemic
Scorching temperatures were felt across Britain and Europe once again, following a Friday that saw the hottest August in 17 years.
The Met Office said temperatures had already reached 34.5C at in Kent early on Saturday afternoon, adding there was a chance it could reach up to 36C in the south east later in the day.
On Friday thousands flocked to the UK’s beaches including in Brighton, Bournemouth and Southend, with pictures showing hundreds of people packed on the sand despite warnings that social distancing guidelines should be respected.
Temperatures are expected to remain high until the middle of next week, but the Met Office has warned thunderstorms could be on the way for Monday and Tuesday.
On Saturday it issued a level three heat-level warning for the south and south east, meaning the public should look out particularly for the elderly, children and people in poor health.
Ishani Kar-Purkayastha, a public health consultant at Public Health England (PHE), said: “This summer, many of us are spending more time at home due to Covid-19.
“A lot of homes can overheat, so it’s important we continue to check on older people and those with underlying health conditions, particularly if they’re living alone and may be socially isolated.”
Studies have shown that the vast majority of Covid-19 transmissions occurred indoors, while outdoor transmission was scarce.
The current record maximum temperature for the UK is 38.7C, set last year on July 25 in Cambridge Botanic Garden.
The record for the hottest August day is 38.5C, set at Faversham on August 10 2003.
Experts have warned record-breaking summers will “absolutely” keep happening unless we take “drastic” action against climate change.
Michael Byrne, lecturer in earth and environmental sciences at the University of St Andrews, said two near-record temperatures so closely spaced is “unusual”.
He told the PA news agency: “But it’s not surprising given climate change is happening and...
