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UK weather: Sun safety warning as UK exposed to high UV levels UK weather: Hottest day of the year so far with highs of 33.3C
(about 2 hours later)
People are being warned to take extra precautions in the day's scorching sunshine - with the UK being exposed to high levels of UV radiation. The UK is experiencing its hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures reaching 33.3C (92F) at Heathrow Airport, the Met Office has said.
With temperatures forecast to climb to 33C (91.4F) in some parts of the country, the Met Office has said the UV level is a real concern. Thursday's high surpasses the 32.6C recorded in London on Wednesday.
On Wednesday, thousands enjoyed the sun at beaches on the hottest day of the year so far, with London hitting 32.6C. It comes after a major incident was declared in Bournemouth, as thousands of people headed to the Dorset coast.
UV rays can cause sunburn and other damage to the skin. Dorset Police urged people to stay away after reports of traffic gridlock, anti-social behaviour, fights and overnight camping.
The south of England is expected to be where temperatures are most likely to go past 30C while Scotland and Wales will reach around 29C (84.2F). Northern Ireland is predicted to have a largely sunny day but slightly cooler than elsewhere. People have also been cautioned to stay safe by Public Health England, and the Met Office has warned of high UV levels.
An amber level three heat-health alert, issued by the Met Office, was extended on Thursday to take in Yorkshire and the east and south of England as well as the West and East Midlands.
That means people should drink plenty of fluids, avoid consuming excess alcohol and "look out for" young children, babies and those with underlying health conditions, the Met Office said.
Public Health England (PHE) echoed the Met Office advice, saying older people, those with underlying health conditions, and very young children were all more at risk from the "exceptionally hot weather forecast this week".
By 13:00 BST UV radiation was high or very high across the UK, with the south of England recording the highest levels.
Both Wales and Scotland also recorded their hottest days of the year on Thursday.
In Wales, the temperature reached 30.7C (87.3F) at Gogerddan, near Aberystwyth, beating the previous high of 30C from Wednesday. And in Scotland, a high of 30C was recorded in Prestwick, Gannett.
Why is UV dangerous?Why is UV dangerous?
UV exposure will not just put you at risk of sunburn.UV exposure will not just put you at risk of sunburn.
Excessive UV radiation from the sun is also strongly linked to increased skin cancer cases in fair-skinned populations worldwide - according to the WHO.Excessive UV radiation from the sun is also strongly linked to increased skin cancer cases in fair-skinned populations worldwide - according to the WHO.
The amount of UV reaching your skin is not driven by the daily temperature. UV levels on a bright and breezy late April day will be about the same as a warm sunny day in August.The amount of UV reaching your skin is not driven by the daily temperature. UV levels on a bright and breezy late April day will be about the same as a warm sunny day in August.
The high levels expected on Thursday would be similar to a hot day in southern Spain.
Dr Lynn Thomas, medical director of St John Ambulance, said vulnerable people, such as young children or the elderly, should stay inside if possible - but she recognised it was tempting to go outside during the "lovely" weather.Dr Lynn Thomas, medical director of St John Ambulance, said vulnerable people, such as young children or the elderly, should stay inside if possible - but she recognised it was tempting to go outside during the "lovely" weather.
"But make sure you've got plenty of sunscreen on, make sure you're wearing a hat, try and stay in the shade as much as possible and make sure you take plenty of cool drinks with you," she said."But make sure you've got plenty of sunscreen on, make sure you're wearing a hat, try and stay in the shade as much as possible and make sure you take plenty of cool drinks with you," she said.
BBC Weather presenter Matt Taylor said there were exceptionally high levels of UV radiation, which could reach nine on the UV index. The UK normally sees maximums of six or seven during the summer. BBC Weather presenter Matt Taylor said high levels of UV radiation had been predicted due to the conditions.
He explained that it can be more of a factor given that these conditions are being seen in June rather than later in the summer.
"We have just gone past the summer solstice so the sun is higher in the sky," he said."We have just gone past the summer solstice so the sun is higher in the sky," he said.
He added that an "exceptionally large depletion of ozone in the northern hemisphere", a recent lower level of pollutants and a current spell of high pressure were other factors that were helping to keep the skies clear, so that UV rays were not being interrupted He added that an "exceptionally large depletion of ozone in the northern hemisphere", a recent lower level of pollutants and a current spell of high pressure were other factors that were helping to keep the skies clear, so UV rays were not being interrupted.
By 13:00 BST UV radiation was high or very high across the UK, with the south of England recording the highest levels. Temperatures are expected to drop after Thursday with thunderstorms forecast for Friday.
Wales has recorded its highest temperature of the year so far, reaching 30.7C ( 87.3F) at Gogerddan, near Aberystwyth.