Heatwave relief on the way for Brits after temperatures soar hotter than Brazil
Brits sweltering in the midst of the latest UK heatwave are facing some relief as the period, which saw temperatures higher than in Brazil, is coming to an end after a blistering spell of hot weather.
A cooler Monday has been forecast after Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland recorded their hottest day of the year so far. Showers are predicted for many parts of the country this week. But the mercury could rise again next weekend, with highs of 30C forecast in London and the South East. The latest heatwave has prompted a nationwide inspection of workplaces organised by the TUC.
More than 1,000 trade union health and safety reps have signed up to check that workers are able to cope with the heatwave. Working in hot weather can lead to dehydration, tiredness, muscle cramps, fainting, and - in the most extreme cases - loss of consciousness.
Trade union reps will check workplace temperatures, and will discuss with employers the protective steps they can take, including keeping buildings cool, shaded areas for outdoor workers and allowing flexible hours. TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: "Everyone should be safe at work. But working in a heatwave can be dangerous, especially when your employer wants you to carry on regardless.
"That's why union reps are taking action this week to keep their workmates safe in the heat, and it's why we're calling on the government to strengthen legal protections with a maximum working temperature. A lot of the best safety steps are just common sense. For example, employers should allow flexible hours to avoid the hottest parts of the day. And indoor workplaces should be kept at comfortable temperatures, with relaxed dress codes."
The third heatwave of the summer hit its peak at the weekend. Temperatures hit 32.2C in Aviemore on Saturday, the hottest day ever recorded there. It was only the 7th time the temperature had been that high in Scotland since 1961.
In Wales, a high of 33.1C was recorded at Cardiff's Bute Park. In Northern Ireland, it was 30C in Londonderry. It resulted in two weather-related deaths in Scotland. In Glasgow, a 15-year-old boy died in the River Kelvin. Hours earlier, a 63-year-old woman fell by a waterfall in East Dunbartonshire.
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) asked people not to enter water to try to cool down. And they urged parents and carers to ensure children are supervised around water at all times. Phil Garrigan, NFCC chairman, said: 'We are urging people to take simple but vital safety precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones during this period of hot, dry weather. Our experience tells us that wildfires can start in an instant and escalate rapidly. That's why we're asking everyone to stay alert and act responsibly."
Today, London (30C) was hotter than Barcelona (29C) Bangalore (27C) and Brasilia (24C) in Brazil. Amber heat health alerts were in place for the Midlands and the south east to 10am Monday. The alert warns of a potential rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions. Beachgoers enjoyed temperatures of around 31C (87.8F) in England. But the forecast was for the mercury to dip marginally to bring some relief.
Met Office meteorologist Kathryn Chalk said: "While we've seen the peak of the heat in this heatwave, it's still going to be very warm on Sunday before turning cooler for many of us on Monday. So we've got this ridge of high pressure extending across the UK, helping to keep things settled, but out towards the west an area of low pressure moving through Sunday night and into Monday. Temperatures will be falling away but also bring heavy spells of rain, or welcome rainfall, for many of us."
Firefighters in Surrey tackled a wildfire on Hankley Common in Thursley, which spanned approximately eight hectares. Scottish fire crews tackled a wildfire in Perth near the M90 in the Craigend area, due to an "extreme" wildfire.
HM Coastguard also issued safety advice for people heading to the coast, saying data shows most drownings occurred in July over the past three years. Harrow Council warned of an increase of sudden branch drop syndrome, made worse by the heat waves.
A pod of dolphins performed an incredible aerial acrobatic display for delighted tourists off the UK coast. The 12 mammals leapt into the air while hunting for a fish supper in the waters around Amble, Northumberland.
Pensioner Linda Johnson couldn't believe her luck when the pod came just 50m (164ft) away from the town's pier. One photo appeared to show one dolphin balancing another on its nose as they leap and dive beneath the waves.
Showers are forecast across many parts of the UK by Wednesday, some of which could be heavy and thundery
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