WEYMOUTH is sweltering in the heat as temperatures hit more than 30 degrees Celsius.

With the sunshine set to continue this week, experts from the Met Office issued a heatwave warning for Dorset and the south west.

Health officials are also urging caution as the heat reaches its highest temperature in more than a decade.

Mayor of Weymouth and Portland Councillor Ray Banham welcomed the hot weather but also urged caution.

He said: “It’s just tremendous.

“What a booster for Weymouth and Portland, it’s something we all desperately need.”

Coun Banham said he spotted sunbathers on Weymouth beach yesterday as early as 7.15am.

He added: “I expect the ice cream sellers are doing a booming trade.

“As long as everyone is sensible, and drinks plenty of water and puts sun cream on, we should be alright. I hope it continues.”

The Met Office issued an amber warning for the region yesterday urging people to take action.

The amber warning – a Heat Health Watch Level 3 caution – is just one short of a national emergency red rating.

The Met Office warned that heatwaves were potentially dangerous – especially for the very young and old, and those with chronic conditions.

South West Ambulance Service NHS Trust also advised people to use sun cream, wear a hat and drink plenty of water.

The Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester has enacted its heat resilience plan to cope with greater numbers of people suffering more adverse affects of the weather.

On Weymouth harbourside, Dorset Seafood Festival announcer Gareth Jones said Sunday was even warmer than Saturday as the mercury tipped 32 C.

He said: “The heat is just beaming through the windows, it’s fantastic.

“I made an announcement that it was 32 degrees but that was taken from the thermometer in my car.

“I also kept reminding people that it’s really important to put sun cream on, wear the right clothing and drink water.

“It is nice that it’s hot and sunny, but we are just not used to these temperatures in this country.”

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council weatherman Bob Poots said temperatures on Saturday hit 24.4 degrees in the shade, but recorded 30 degrees in the sun.

He said: “It’s not officially the hottest day of the year for us – that was on Monday, which was the hottest day since July 28 2001.

“We are averaging about 13 hours of sunshine a day, though some days we are having up to 15 hours.”

He added: “Technically, if it does not rain by Wednesday, we will be in a drought period.”
Dorset Live Weather recorded 30.1 degrees Celsius on Saturday.

Temperatures are expected to remain in the mid- to high-20s for the rest of the week.

Nrachel.stretton@dorsetecho.co.uk

Advice
DURING a heatwave, the Met Office advises people to:

Keep the house cool by closing blinds and curtains

Try to stay cool by taking cool showers or baths

Avoid too much exercise, which can cause heat exhaustion or heat stroke

Drink plenty of fluids, but not alcohol, which dehydrates the body

Try to eat normally

If driving, keep your vehicle well ventilated to avoid drowsiness

Keep an eye in vulnerable neighbours who may be at risk

Try to avoid going out during the hottest part of the day or being in the sun for too long