UK temperatures set to 'soar to new heights'

Temperatures were today expected to soar to sizzling new heights, with the promise of even hotter weather to come.

The PA WeatherCentre predicted many readings of 33-34C (91-93F), especially in the south east of England.

Most of England, Wales, Northern Ireland and southern Scotland will also bathe in late 80s F and low 90s F.

The mercury was again forecast to outstrip holiday hotspots such Ibiza, Benidorm, Crete, Malta, Nice and Tenerife.

The best that Ibiza could manage yesterday was 32.1C (89.8F), while the warmest place in the Canaries was Lanzarote airport (29.1C, 84.4F) and Nice reached 29.9C (85.8F).

A reading of 32.7C (90.9F) at Heathrow airport in west London beat the previous UK highest figure of 32.4C (90.3F) on June 12.

The hottest day of all in this spell is expected to be tomorrow, when temperatures may reach 36C (96.8F), equalling the record for the hottest July day set on July 22, 1911 in Epsom, Surrey.

A record temperature of 38.1C (100.6F) for the UK was set at Gravesend, Kent, on August 10, 2003.

PA WeatherCentre spokeswoman Rachel Vince said: "We can expect the same pattern as the last few days, with most of the UK having lots of sunshine, and there being only a few wisps of cloud.

"It will be more cloudy in north west Scotland, but still quite warm."

The exceptionally hot weather is expected to begin to break tomorrow night with thundery storms forecast for the south west of England spreading through the rest of England and Wales on Thursday - although temperatures will still remain high.

The Government has issued smog warnings for the coming days.

Defra said high concentrations of ground-level ozone were forecast.

The highest levels are expected to be in the Midlands and the north of England and towards the south east tomorrow and Thursday.

Ozone concentrations are likely to reduce to moderate and low across the UK as light cloud cover arrives and temperatures decline slightly from Friday.

"Despite the recent high levels of ozone, peak levels are generally decreasing in the UK thanks to tighter emission standards for road vehicles and controls on industrial processes and domestic sources," a spokesman said.

Some people were more sensitive to ozone than others and might begin to notice an effect on their breathing, he added.

Avoiding exercise outdoors in the afternoon could reduce exposure. People with asthma were not necessarily more sensitive but, if affected, they could use their "reliever" inhaler.

Ground level ozone is formed when sunlight acts on nitrogen dioxide and other atmospheric substances close to the ground.

The pollutants that cause ground level ozone come from a range of sources, including petrol and other fuels.

Employers were also urged to relax office dress codes to enable workers to wear casual clothes.

The TUC launched a "cool work" campaign, telling firms they would get more from their staff if they felt comfortable and did not have to wear formal clothes such as jackets and ties.

Copyright Press Association 2006