Blackpool Council weather alert as Met Office says Blackpool will experience 29°C heatwave

Blackpool Council has issued a heatwave safety alert to visitors and residents heading to the seaside as temperatures are set to hit 29°C.

The warning comes as the Met Office has issued an amber extreme heat warning across southern England and parts of the Midlands, with a heatwave expected to affect large swathes of England.

Today weather forecasters say the Fylde coast will bask in 27°C before hitting highs of 29°C tomorrow.

The Met Office alert highlights potential health impacts from the extreme temperatures, as well as the risk of water safety incidents and travel disruption. Some heat-sensitive systems and equipment could also be affected, with the potential for power cuts in some areas.

Blackpool Council said it knows heading out in the nice weather to enjoy the seaside can be "lots of fun", but stressed that it is important for people to stay safe. The council has issued a series of heat and beach safety tips for anyone visiting the coast during the hot weather.

𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗧 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗕𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗛 𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘𝗧𝗬 𝗧𝗜𝗣𝗦

• Supervise children at all times - both in and out of the water
• Always protect yourself from the sun - try and avoid peak heat times
• Always read the beach safety signs
• Watch out for incoming tides - they come in faster than you think
• Never swim on your own. Always swim with someone else or have someone watching you so they can see if you get in to trouble
• Be careful in the sea, don't go out of your depth
• Sandbanks are very common - regularly check behind you to ensure you don't get cut off
• Do not use inflatables - you can end up being pulled out to sea
• Dress appropriately - hot weather means sunnies, a hat and SPF are a must!
• Stay hydrated and drink lots of water
• Keep an extra eye on any friends and family who may be more vulnerable to the hot weather
• Avoid walking pets at peak heat times - their fur coats and paws won't be happy

Blackpool Council also praised the work of the Beach Patrol Team, RNLI volunteers and HM Coastguard, who it said "do an incredible job" and are there to protect people. However, the council urged visitors not to put themselves in unnecessary danger and to follow the safety advice while enjoying the seaside.

What the Met Office says

The dominant conditions across much of the country are expected to remain warm and sunny this week. The main exception will be north and northwest Scotland, and at times parts of Northern Ireland, where showery rain from the west is expected to continue to influence conditions.

Blackpool and the Fylde coast will will bask in 27°C before hitting highs of 29°C tomorrow.

From Thursday temperatures start to cool with forecasters predicting temperatures of 24°C on Thursday, 20°C on Friday and highs of 19°C on Saturday and Sunday.

Met Office Chief Forecaster Chris Bulmer said: “While the peak heat will be more short-lived than recent heatwaves, temperatures widely into the mid-30s Celsius on Thursday brings the potential for impacts for some, which is why a Met Office warning has been issued.

“High pressure is now becoming dominant and temperatures will build day-by-day. Southerly and southeasterly winds will also tap into the hot conditions over Europe which helps develop this further notable heat in what has been a hot and dry summer so far for many in the south of the UK.”

Serious risks to health

William Spencer, climate and first aid expert at the British Red Cross, said: “While periods of hot weather have become more familiar in recent years, they can still pose serious risks to health. In fact, after prolonged dry and warm conditions, it is more important than ever to follow heat safety advice.

“Simple steps such as wearing sunscreen, drinking plenty of fluids, seeking shade during the hottest parts of the day and taking regular breaks from the sun can help protect you and those around you. It’s also important to look out for the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, particularly among people who may be more vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat.

“Many communities are also experiencing drought conditions or are in areas at increased risk of wildfires. We encourage everyone to follow advice from local authorities and visit our website for practical guidance on staying safe and supporting anyone who may be at greater risk during periods of extreme heat.”