Thousands of people gathered at Stonehenge and Avebury in Wiltshire on Sunday morning to celebrate the summer solstice, as the UK braces for a heatwave that could see record-breaking temperatures. The Met Office has said there is 'growing confidence' that this week could break the record for the hottest June temperature of 35.6C, which was set in 1976 in Southampton.
Heatwave expected to peak at 35C
The heat is expected to peak at about 35C on Tuesday and Wednesday, sparking weather warnings, health alerts and concerns for vulnerable people. The Met Office has issued an amber extreme heat warning for Monday and Tuesday for most of southern England, south-eastern and eastern Wales, and much of the Midlands. The alert flags potential health impacts for people vulnerable to extreme heat and heat-related issues for the wider population, as well as a potential increase in water safety incidents.
Separate amber heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the east, south-east and south-west of England from Monday morning until Wednesday evening. A UKHSA yellow heat alert is also in place for Yorkshire and Humber, north-east and north-west England during the same period.
Solstice celebrations at Stonehenge
On Sunday morning, a crowd of more than 20,000 people flocked to Stonehenge and Avebury to see the sun rise at 4.25 am on the longest day of the year, according to English Heritage. Visitors, some wearing flower head-dresses, touched the ancient monument and cheered as the glowing sun peeked over the misty horizon.
Sunday is the longest day of the year, and the event drew crowds despite the early hour. The Met Office meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey said Sunday is expected to be a 'fine, bright day' and dry for most except for potential showers in north-east England. Highs of 31C are forecast in London along with 27C in Cardiff and 21C in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Europe also sweltering
Meanwhile, Europe is also sweltering under the heatwave, with temperatures forecast to hit 37C in Rome and 39C in Madrid on Monday. In France, highs of 40C are expected on Sunday, with Monday likely to be even hotter as emergency services and military forces have been put on wildfire alert. Public alcohol consumption restrictions have also been put in place by French authorities and some outdoor sporting events cancelled.
Health advice and warnings
People in the alert area are advised to drink plenty of fluids, keep out of the sun, and avoid exercising between 11am and 3pm, the Met Office said. Mr Vautrey added: 'Water safety as well is going to be paramount if you are by the coast or other water bodies in land as well, and do follow the safety advice of relative authorities in order to avoid the cold water shock when you are heading into any water areas.'
The heat comes after at least 15 people died after getting into trouble in open water during a hot spell in May. Samantha Hughes, national water safety partner at the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, said: 'With warmer weather approaching, it's important to remember that the water is still cold. Entering it unexpectedly can lead to cold water shock, causing a sudden increase in breathing and heart rate, which may trigger panic.'
Employers urged to protect workers
After the heat health alerts were issued, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said employers must ensure their workers are protected while maintaining productivity during the heatwave. On Sunday, NHS England said visits to its webpage on hay fever advice have more than doubled in the past week following hotter weather. Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England, said: 'People should be careful not to double-dose on medication which might make them drowsy, particularly if planning to drive.'
On Saturday, the UK's highest temperature of 27.7C was measured in Writtle, near Chelmsford in Essex. Monday will be a 'cloudier day overall', with temperatures expected to reach up to 32C with humidity forecast to rise throughout the week, Mr Vautrey said.
