Heatwave brings UK’s hottest day of year so far

Britain has enjoyed the hottest day of the year so far, and forecasters predict the heatwave will continue.

After a weekend of wall-to-wall sunshine around the UK, temperatures in London’s St James Park peaked at 29.4 C on Monday,  in line with sunny holiday hot spots in southern Spain.

Very high levels of pollen and UV mean that hay fever sufferers are in for a difficult time.

The previous highest temperature recorded in the UK was 29.1 Celsius at St James Park, central London, on April 19.

The top temperatures in Scotland and Northern Ireland this year were both recorded on May 29.

Achnagart in Ross and Cromarty, Scotland, boasted a temperature of 27.5C while the heat hit 25.3C in Castlederg in Co Tyrone.

People in Hawarden, Clwyd, enjoyed 26.8C, the top temperature in Wales this year, on May 27.

Higher temperatures are expected over the next days and the south west of England, the south and parts of Wales could enjoy 30C.

Urging everyone to take precautions, Met Office forecaster Mark Foster: “High pressure is going to dominate this week so we can expect very high levels of pollen and UV. If you are in the sun you have a greater chance of getting burnt in the short term.”

“Long days, very still conditions and clear skies help June temperatures to get very intense. The sun in June is relatively the highest it gets in the sky and heat can build up over successive days.”

The TUC has called on bosses to make sure staff working outdoors are protected from the sun and the heat.

“Bosses must ensure their staff are protected with regular breaks, lots of fluids, plenty of sunscreen and the right protective clothing.”