BRITAIN was put on a health alert last night over fears that extreme heat in the next few days could cause hundreds of deaths.
The “tropical” conditions could also lead to a build up of smog in towns and cities across central and southern regions of the UK.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has raised its pollution forecast tomorrow.
Soaring humidity could make parts of the UK feel close to 100F (38C) by the end of the week, hotter than Honolulu and the Mediterranean.
The forecast sparked fears that thousands of people could be at risk and that hundreds could die as in the last extreme heatwave in 2009.
Last night experts urged neighbours to keep an eye on the elderly and vulnerable.
The heat alert, coming into force with temperatures not expected to fall below 86F (30C) in the day and 59F (15C) at night, applies between Friday and Sunday.
Forecaster Dan Williams said: “The highest temperatures are likely on Friday then a very humid night will follow.
“Heavy thunderstorms in eastern areas on Saturday will lead to slightly lower maximum temperatures, but it will still be very humid. Heatwaves can be dangerous, especially for the very young or very old or those with chronic disease.”
While many people enjoy hot weather, high temperatures can be dangerous, especially for people who may be particularly vulnerable such as older people, young children and those with serious illnesses
People are being urged to take extra care and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
Four days of soaring temperatures in 2009 led to 300 additional deaths, according to the Department of Health and July 2006’s 14-day heatwave resulted in 680. A hot spell in August 2003 saw temperatures hit 101.3F (38.5C) leading to an extra 2,139 deaths, records show.
The Met Office said the extreme heat is due to a swathe of roasting air set to flood in from the Continent on Friday.
The so-called “Spanish Plume” draws heat from the Continent before the air rises over the UK usually triggering violent thunderstorms.
Forecasters have warned Saturday will see most of the UK lashed by torrential downpours, lightning and hail with flash flooding likely. The Met Office has a severe weather warning in place across the whole of England with “significant” widespread flooding likely.
From left, Darryl Packman, Charlotte Burfield, Leah Wood and Millie Hart in West Wittering, Sussex [STEVE REIGATE ]Deputy chief meteorologist Steve Ramsdale said: “We’ve got hot and humid air moving up from the Continent which will see temperatures rise through to the weekend, with some high day and night-time temperatures expected by Friday.
“The humidity will make it feel close, muggy and uncomfortable for many in the heat and people should take steps to keep cool.”
Paul Cosford, of Public Health England, said: “While many people enjoy hot weather, high temperatures can be dangerous, especially for people who may be particularly vulnerable such as older people, young children and those with serious illnesses.
“Everyone can enjoy the sun safely by keeping out of the heat at the hottest time of the day, avoiding sunburn and staying hydrated with plenty of cool drinks. Older people and those with long-term illnesses are particularly vulnerable.”
David McCullough, of the Royal Voluntary Service, said: “Prolonged hot temperatures can have a devastating effect on the health of those who are older or vulnerable so it’s vital that friends and family check in and offer to help where they can.”
Caroline Abrahams, of Age UK, said: “Anyone with an older family member or neighbour can help by calling in to check to see if they are okay.”
Jonathan Powell, of Vantage Weather Services, said: “We are expecting a severe, debilitating blast of heat, certainly the hottest spell of summer so far. As it will be very humid and muggy it will feel almost tropical.”
The sizzling forecast has triggered a surge of bets on this summer being the hottest since 2003.
Coral spokeswoman Nicola McGeady said: “We’re starting to sweat as the hot weather is showing no signs of cooling down. Punters have been predicting a record-breaking summer all year, and it looks like the gamble could pay off.”
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