Urgent Camber Sands beach warning on hottest day of the year
BRIT sun-seekers have been told to stay away from Camber Sands beach today and tomorrow - as the country basks in a mini heatwave.
People have been urged to steer clear of the beach in East Sussex as large crowds and high tides are making social distancing very difficult.
A spokesman for East Sussex County Council said: "We would urge those thinking of visiting the area to help us keep people safe by considering an alternative beach they could visit."
They added that Camber Sands car parking and toilet facilities at the beach are limited.
It gives millions who are missing out on sunshine holidays abroad the chance to work on their tans at home.
B&Q were among shops expecting to do a roaring trade in barbecues and gardening equipment.
The highest June UK temperature was 35.6C in Southampton in 1976.
The Met Office warned that the high temperatures could pose a health risk to some.
Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said UV levels will be "reaching eight across many places and will be reaching nine across parts of Devon and Cornwall tomorrow.
"That's about as high as it gets really in the UK.
"The sun is as strong as it gets at the moment because we're so close to the solstice.
"We've got peak sun strength, clear skies, plenty of sunshine - it's the perfect ingredients for high UV."
Mr Burkill advised anyone outside for prolonged periods of time today and Thursday to take measures to protect themselves.
Shoppers have also been told to be aware they could be forced to spend extra time in the sun because of social distancing measures.
Dr Lynn Thomas, medical director at St John Ambulance, said: "You could end up in the sun for longer than expected on what would normally be a quick journey, such as queuing to enter the supermarket, so you should be prepared to look after yourself and others."
She added: "Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are two of the most serious problems that can develop when the mercury soars but by being prepared you can spot the early warning signs, such as headache and dizziness."
London Fire Brigade has warned people not to have barbecues on dry grass, not to drop cigarettes or matches, and not to leave rubbish such as glass bottles lying around as they could start fires.
LFB Deputy Commissioner Richard Mills said: "Barbecuing on dry grass is thoughtless and reckless and can easily be the cause of a significant fire, which isn't something you want on your conscience."
The public has also been urged to take care around water, amid concerns people might be tempted to take a dip to cool down.
Emergency services rushed to the River Thames in Cookham, Berkshire, last night amid reports that a man was missing after going into the water.
Police are continuing to search for a missing man in his 30s today.
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Yesterday, many Brits soaked up the sun in back gardens, parks or at beaches.
Tuesday was not quite the hottest day of the year, as the 28.6C recorded at Heathrow Airport and Kew Gardens fell short of the 28.9C recorded at the end of May.
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High temperatures will last at least until the weekend.
