Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Antony Thrower & Stephanie Balloo

Heatwave warning if you're hosting a BBQ or swim - and the one thing you must 'never' do

As Brits swelter in the hottest day of the year so far warnings have been issued for those considering eating al fresco this afternoon.

The highest temperature of 2023 was recorded in Heathrow, London, earlier today when the mercury reached 30.5C at 11.47am.

The whole country is currently experiencing a heatwave - and the warm weather is here to stay for the next few days.

To enjoy the conditions several are planning to hold a barbecue with friends and family or swim in rivers or lakes as the temperatures soar.

However one council has issued “quick asks” to keep people safe - as well as something everyone should not do.

A number of "quick asks" have been suggested to people (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Birmingham city council's park services manager Joe Hayden told Birmingham Live: "It's going to be a hot and sunny weekend which means parks will be busy.

“Some quick asks - please take litter home, please don't bring barbecues and please don't go in any rivers, lakes or reservoirs.”

The council’s website reads: “Never swim in open water.”

A spokesman said: "We want everyone to enjoy our parks and open spaces, but please follow our water safety rules:

“Never swim in any form of open water and don't allow children to play near water without an adult present.”

Today is the first time since August 24 last year temperatures go above 30C in the UK, the Met Office said in a tweet.

Temperatures have reached 30C today (Getty Images)

The Met Office has also issued two yellow weather warnings for thunderstorms, with the first one in force across parts of England and Wales from 2pm until 10.30pm tonight.

Another warning has been issued for parts of England, Wales and Scotland and is in force from 12pm to 9pm on Sunday.

Met Office meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey said there will be "some really torrential downpours developing" but they will be "hit and miss", so not everyone is going to experience wet conditions.

But the areas experiencing heavy downpours are at risk of localised flooding as rain falls onto dry ground.

He added: "Temperatures will be notably above average for the time of year, climbing towards our first 30C of the year, so really feeling warm and some very strong UV levels as well.

"If you are suffering from some of the heat though, do head towards some eastern coastal areas because there is just a bit of a breeze pushing in from the sea."

Mr Vautrey also warned pollen levels are very high across England and Wales, as well as Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.