UK Records Warmest Start to May on Record as Temperatures Soar
The UK has experienced the warmest start to May on record, with temperatures continuing to rise and prompting warnings of wildfires and the dangers of open water swimming. According to the Met Office, Kew Gardens in south-west London recorded a temperature of 29.3C on Thursday afternoon, surpassing the previous record high of 27.4C set in Lossiemouth, Moray in 1990.
This week’s heatwave has been making headlines, with Thursday also marking the warmest day of the year so far, beating the previous high of 26.7C reached in Wisley, Surrey, on Wednesday. The Met Office reported that last month was the sunniest April in the UK since records began in 1910, and also the third warmest April on record.
However, the warm weather has also brought concerns about the risks of open water swimming. Tragically, a 16-year-old boy’s body was recovered from a lake in Nottinghamshire after he got into difficulty while swimming at Colwick country park on Wednesday evening. Nottinghamshire police have warned about the “hidden dangers” of open water swimming, with Ch Insp David Mather stating, “While work is now under way to understand how the boy came into difficulty, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight this case as a reminder of the devastating consequences of entering open water – regardless of whether people do so deliberately or inadvertently.”
The London Fire Brigade has also urged caution around open water swimming, citing a 32% increase in water-related incidents last month compared to the same period last year. Assistant Commissioner Patrick Goulbourne warned, “With the hot weather, we understand the temptation to cool off in rivers, lakes or other bodies of open water. But even when the sun is shining, water temperatures can be dangerously cold. Cold water shock can affect anyone, regardless of fitness or swimming ability.”
Fire services have also warned of the increased risk of grass and wildfires during the dry spell, with temperatures expected to ease by Friday and cooler conditions forecast for Saturday. The Met Office’s Stephen Dixon said, “Temperatures tomorrow will be slightly reduced from what we’ve seen today, possibly 26 or 27 degrees in the far south-east of England through the day tomorrow.”
As the warm weather continues, other organisations have issued warnings and advice. The RAC has cautioned drivers about the risks of breakdowns, with spokesperson Rod Dennis stating, “We’re urging everyone travelling to ensure they have plenty of water for themselves and any passengers in case they get stuck in traffic or break down, as well as having sunscreen, hats or an umbrella with them to protect themselves from the sun.” The NHS has also reported a doubling of searches for hay fever advice from Monday to Wednesday.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution has also offered similar warnings about the dangers of open water swimming. Meanwhile, the London Fire Brigade and other fire services are urging people to be cautious and take necessary precautions to avoid accidents. As reported by The Guardian, these warnings are a timely reminder of the potential dangers associated with the warm weather.
In related news, Tom Staples, a group manager at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, said, “This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers of open water. We urge everyone to take care around lakes, rivers and other natural bodies of water.” As the UK continues to experience this heatwave, it is essential for people to be aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions to stay safe.
The warm weather is expected to continue, albeit with cooler conditions forecast for the weekend. With temperatures remaining high, it is crucial for people to stay informed and take necessary precautions to avoid accidents. According to The Guardian, people are being advised to stay safe in the sun and be aware of the potential dangers of open water swimming.
Temperatures will be closely monitored by the Met Office and other agencies, with further updates and warnings issued as necessary.
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