Posted on July 09, 2010 by Fiona Hilliard

Any plans for the weekend? If you’re in the UK, head for the south, it’s set to be a scorcher of a weekend…

Temperatures look like climbing to a sweltering 31c (88f) in some parts of East Anglia and the South East today and tomorrow. Meanwhile, there is even a chance of 32c (90f) in other places.
Nightly temperatures all over the south east will be slightly unbearable – a balmy 20c (68f) according to forecasts.

Soaring temperatures have led the UK’s Met Office to issue its first health alert of the summer.
Commenting on the warm weather, Wayne Elliott, head of health forecasting said: “While there is the possibility of daytime temperatures reaching trigger thresholds, it is the night time values which are of real concern.

High humidity and the lack of any breeze could make matters worse for people with underlying health problems.”

The sun won’t be focused solely on the UK’s shores this weekend. In the US, temperatures have been hitting over 100 degrees this week. On Wednesday, local thermometers reached 103 (39.4C) degrees, causing power black outs.

Meanwhile, Pliladelphia reported readings of 102 (38.8C).

Warmer temperatures increase the risk of driver fatigue on long journeys. If you’ve ever almost nodded off while driving, try the following:

• Get a good night’s sleep before the journey and try to drive at times of the day when you would normally be awake.

• Wherever possible, share the driving

• Take your time. Plan rest breaks every few hours. Get out of your car and go on a short walk (the weather will be lovely anyway so you won’t have to worry about rain)

• If you feel tired, by all means, pull over to a safe location and take a short nap.

• Open a window or switch on the air conditioning. The cool air will help keep you alert.

[geo_mashup_map]