UK weather: Brits bask in 30C scorcher as thousands descend on Glastonbury Festival with heat warning issued

BRITS are set to bask in 30C today as thousands pitch up at Glastonbury Festival amid a heat health warning this week.

A yellow heat health alert ^[1] has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Met Office - as more than 200,000 drivers are expected to travel for the event today.

A beach in Bournemouth, Dorset was packed as Brits enjoyed the heatCredit: BNPS

Paddleboarders enjoy a spot of watersports at Brighton BeachCredit: Getty

An excited festivalgoer ready to kick off Glastonbury festivalCredit: Getty

The first excited visitors entering the fieldCredit: Getty

Meanwhile, others cooled off with some volleyball in the sea this afternoonCredit: LNP

Temperatures could rise from 28C to 31C from mid Wales to the south east

Yellow heat alerts will cover most of England this weekCredit: UKHSA

The health notice came into force yesterday and will remain in place until Thursday, as forecasters warn of a likely "increase in mortality across the population".

Heat alerts will be in force for every region of England except the north east, which is covered by a green alert.

OAPs and people with health conditions are most at risk, but young people could also suffer in the heat.

Today, temperatures are set to climb steadily into the afternoon, with highs of 31C expected in the south east.

The mercury could rise to anywhere between 28C to 31C from mid Wales to the south east coast.

Meanwhile Scotland and Northern Ireland are forecast to reach temperatures around 21C or 22C with the help of sunshine.

There was also a weather update for tens of thousands of Glastonbury Festival fans as they started to arrive at the event in Somerset today.

Huge queues formed overnight and this morning as fans arrived for the event with traffic problems expected on routes to the site.

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Fans can look forward to "mostly warm, dry and settled" weather, although some showers are expected on Thursday.

Met Meteorologist Aidan McGivern said: "A midweek peak in the heat but then temperatures closer to average from Thursday onwards.

"Much more agreeable temperatures, and although there will be a few spots of rain on Thursday afternoon as that cold front goes through, Friday, Saturday, Sunday we're back to sunny spells, light winds and highs of 21C."

Meanwhile, motorists headed to the event have been warned to ignore their sat-navs and follow official signs to Glastonbury Festival to prevent further gridlocked roads.

A spokesperson for RAC Breakdown said: "It's far better to follow the official directional signs to get to the right car park.

"You don't want to end up at the wrong entrance - this creates more delays for everyone and is a sure-fire way of arriving at anything but the 'Speed of Sound'."

People are hauling in their luggage on wheelbarrowsCredit: PA

Revellers setting up their tentsCredit: Alamy

Brighton Beach was stowed out with sun worshipers todayCredit: Mirrorpix

Sun lovers make the most of the weather at Goodrington Sands in Paignton, South Devon this afternoonCredit: BNPS

A woman topping up her tan on West Wittering Beach, West SussexCredit: Alamy

An incident this morning involving a van and a lorry on the A371 near Wincanton is expected to disrupt travel plans.

Emergency services were called at around 5.20am to reports of the crash near Bratton Seymour, with one person "significantly" injured.

The road has been closed between West Hill and Gibbet Road.

Those travelling to Glastonbury Festival on the A303 eastbound can take the alternative A36/A361, A350/A361, or continue past the A371 and take the A359 or A37.

And, major roads including the M5 and A303 are expected to face heavy delays with the RAC suggesting any routes into the Somerset ^[2] site will likely see tailbacks.

As temperatures soar to possible highs of 31C today, the RAC urged festivalgoers to have a stock of water in their cars.

They have also been urged to check their vehicles before setting off for the five day festival ^[3], from oil and coolant levels to tyre condition.

Glastonbury officials say the worst time to pitch up is between 7am and 2pm on Wednesday 26.

Festivalgoers have been given the latest weather update as they arriveCredit: SWNS

Revellers slept as they queue at Worthy Farm for the festival todayCredit: Reuters

People camped out ahead of the festivalCredit: Reuters

More than 200,000 are expected to hit the road for the eventCredit: SWNS

Music fans hauling their luggage as they queue this morningCredit: Reuters

Festivalgoers have been warned of the rising temperatures todayCredit: Reuters

Further delays are also predicted when the main stage ^[4] opens on Friday 28.

But drivers who attempt to arrive early will be turned away and forced to wait in the car park, the festival warned.

Traffic ^[5] congestion is to be factored into travel plans on Sunday, June 30 and Monday, July 1 as music fans head home.

Festival and beachgoers across the UK have been warned of the rising temperatures today.

Glastonbury 2024 line-up

Pyramid Stage

Dua Lipa
Coldplay
SZA
Shania Twain
LCD Soundsystem
Little Simz
Burna Boy
PJ Harvey
Cyndi Lauper
Michael Kiwanuka
Janelle Monáe
Seventeen
Paul Heaton
Keane
Paloma Faith
Olivia Dean
Ayra Starr

Other Stage

Idles
Disclosure
The National
D-Block Europe
The Streets
Two Door Cinema Club
Anne-Marie
Camila Cabello
Avril Lavigne
Bombay Bicycle Club
Bloc Party
The Last Dinner Party
Nothing But Thieves
Confidence Man
Headie One

West Holts

Jungle
Jessie Ware
Justice
Heilung
Masego
Nia Archives
Danny Brown
Black Pumas
Brittany Howard
Sugababes
Nitin Sawhney
Jordan Rakei
Asha Puthli
Noname
Corinne Bailey Rae
Steel Pulse
Squid
Sofia Kourtesis

Woodsies

Jamie xx
Gossip
James Blake
Sampha
Sleaford Mods
Romy
Declan McKenna
Yard Act
Arlo Parks
Alvvays
Fat White Family
Blondshell
Kenya Grace
Soccer Mommy
Remi Wolf
Mannequin Pussy
Newdad
High Vis
Kneecap

The Park

Fontaines DC
Peggy Gou
London Grammar
King Krule
Orbital
Ghetts
Aurora
The Breeders
Mount Kimbie
Dexys
Lankum
Baxter Dury
This Is the Kit
Arooj Aftab
Mdou Moctar
The Mary Wallopers
Otoboke Beaver
Barry Can’t Swim
Bar Italia

Dr Luke Powles, associate clinical director at Bupa Health Clinics, said it was important to know the symptoms of heat exhaustion, which include "a throbbing headache, dizziness, confusion, cramping and nausea" and heatstroke, which is much more serious.

"The symptoms of heatstroke include not sweating even while feeling too hot, a high temperature of 40C or above, fast breathing or shortness of breath, feeling confused, loss of consciousness and being unresponsive," he added.

"Heatstroke is very serious and should be treated as an emergency."

Dr Powles recommended drinking 1.5 to two litres of fluid a day, which works out between eight to 10 glasses.

It comes as thousands flocked to beaches across the UK yesterday to soak up the sunshine.

Beachgoers have been urged to wear high factor sun cream and stay hydrated today.

And Rob Martin, managing director of care services at Anchor, said the later living charity was urging "the wider community to keep a close eye on older neighbours and their older relatives who may live alone and are more vulnerable in the heat."

"We recommend older people stay hydrated and keep out of the sunlight as much as possible," he added.

Glastonbury weather forecast

Met Meteorologist Aidan McGivern said: "A brief hot spell, peaking around the middle of the week as southerly winds arrive and then during Thursday and Friday, westerlies take over, bringing temperatures closer to average.

"Low pressure staying far enough to the north to avoid widespread unsettled weather - although blustery showers will affect northern parts of the country.

"Then into the weekend, we've still got this influence of high pressure from the south west and that's going to keep things mostly fine across much of the UK, although it will still stay changeable in the far north and northwest with further showers at times.

"With that high pressure nearby, things are looking very nice for Glastonbury.

"A midweek peak in the heat but then temperatures closer to average from Thursday onwards.

"Much more agreeable temps, and although there will be a few spots of rain on Thursday afternoon as that cold front goes through, Friday, Saturday, Sunday we're back to sunny spells, light winds and highs of 21C."

"In these temperatures, it's important to avoid caffeinated drinks as they are dehydrating. Drink plenty of cold fluids like water and fruit juices. We recommend taking regular sips of hydrating drinks throughout the day."

Pets owners have also been urged to watch out for their animals.

In particular, dogs taken out on long walks in the heat, or left unattended in warm cars.

It comes after the mercury reached 28.3C in Wisley, Surrey, on Monday while London saw a peak of 27.4C at St James's Park.

Figures rose to 26.9C in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and 25C in Northern Ireland at the start of the week.

Looking ahead, Brits in the south east of England could experience 32C heat on Thursday.

Met Meteorologist Aidan McGivern said: "On Thursday there's some question marks about how hot it will get in the east of England.

"Anywhere between 28C and 32C depending on how quickly cooler air returns towards the west, associated with a front that brings some spells of showers.

But, there will likely be outbreaks of rain forecast across the country and possibly some thundery conditions for some.

Met Office's top hot weather tips

THE top ways to stay safe when the heat arrives, according to the Met Office.

Look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated such as the elderly with underlying conditions or live alone.
If you live alone, ask a relative or friend to phone to check that you are not having difficulties during periods of extreme heat.
Stay cool indoors - Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
If going outdoors, use cool spaces considerately.
Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol.
Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.
Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest.
Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat.
Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day.
Make sure you take water with you, if you are travelling.
Check the latest weather forecast and temperature warnings – you can find these on TV, radio, mobile app or website.
During warm weather going for a swim can provide much welcomed relief. If you are going into open water to cool down, take care and follow local safety advice.

Brits flocked to the coast to lap up the sunshineCredit: Alamy

A man cools off in the pool at Charlton Lido in London todayCredit: Getty

Tourists basking in the sun at Brighton Beach this morningCredit: LNP

References

^{^} A yellow heat health alert (www.thesun.ie)
^{^} Somerset (www.thesun.ie)
^{^} festival (www.thesun.ie)
^{^} main stage (www.thesun.ie)
^{^} Traffic (www.thesun.ie)