HEATWAVE ALERT: Blistering temperatures ‘could kill thousands’, expert warns

Temperatures will start to soar on Tuesday as a swathe of roasting air sweeps in from northern France and Spain.

On Wednesday, the mercury is set to hit nearly 30C in parts of Derbyshire.

Overnight temperatures during the coming week will be in the mid to high teens – making sleeping extremely difficult.

Malcolm Booth, chief executive of the National Federation of Occupational Pensioners, said: “Often the focus is on the cold weather which kills thousands but extreme heat can be just as dangerous.

“It is important to keep an eye on vulnerable friends and neighbours and to stay inside during the very hot weather.

“Helping out with shopping and making sure they are alright can save lives during heatwave conditions.”

Clive James, of St John Ambulance, added: “Extreme heat can be dangerous, particularly for the very young and old, but by being prepared you can spot the early warning signs and potentially be the difference between life and death in an emergency.

“Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are the most serious problems that can develop when the mercury soars so it’s essential that people can spot the signs, such as headache and dizziness, and get somewhere cool and rehydrated as soon as possible.”

AA spokesman Paul Watters advised motorists to carry water on long journeys and prepare for extreme temperatures to soften road surfaces.

He said: “Roads start to soften at about 27C and if the hot weather lasts they absorb the heat a bit like a storage heater.

“Road surfaces can become a bit like dough and this can lead to cracks and the surface of the road can start to give.”

A Met Office spokesman said: “The heatwave will last from Tuesday to Friday.

“As is traditional with hot weather in the UK in the summer it may end with thunderstorms.

“After Friday, temperatures will remain slightly above average.”