It’s been an extremely hot week – and the weather is going to get even hotter today and tomorrow, the Met Office has warned.
As a result, people across the UK are going to be looking for ways to cool off during the sweaty, muggy conditions, especially as the Met Office is forecasting another scorcher in parts of the UK, with England possibly seeing temperatures hit 34C for the second time in a few days.
The forecaster says: “Another warm day is expected across much of the UK today, with temperatures climbing into the low to mid-30s in eastern England. Highest temperatures could reach 33 to 34°C, with a chance of 32°C in isolated parts of southeast.”
While you certainly can’t go wrong with cold water or icy water, sometimes it’s natural to want something a little bit more exciting to keep cool with.
The UK Health and Security Agency has urged people to keep hydrated during the hot weather, and drink fluids regularly.
The UKHSA said: “Drink fluids regularly throughout the day especially if you are physically active. You should drink enough that your pee is a pale straw colour.”
But although water, squash and milk are all good options to keep hydrated, fruit juice, smoothies and soft drinks are not.
That’s because their high sugar content (unless you drink a diet/zero sugar version) actually dehydrates the body.
The UKHSA adds: “Water and diluted squash or lower fat milks are good choices. Fruit juice, smoothies and soft drinks can be high in sugar which dehydrates the body. Limit the amount of fruit juice or smoothies that you drink, and swap sugary soft drinks for diet, sugar-free or no added sugar varieties.
“If you are going out, take a refillable bottle filled with water. Take extra water for journeys on public transport or by car.”
Naturally, alcohol should be avoided too, as it also has a dehydrating effect on the body, as a diuretic.
It adds: “Alcohol has a dehydrating effect on the body, so it is a good idea to choose alcohol-free options, or alternate alcoholic drinks with a glass of water.
“If you are fasting during a heatwave, it is important to drink enough to adequately hydrate before you fast and follow the guidance on keeping cool and preventing dehydration. People with underlying health conditions should seek medical advice before fasting.”
The Met Office adds in its latest forecast: “This spell of hot weather is part of a broader heatwave event, which has brought very warm and humid conditions to many areas over recent days.”
But not all of the UK is going to enjoy more heat. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, power cuts and thunderstorms could smash 11 areas with flash flooding possible.
