SOUTHAMPTON residents are being urged to be safe and not get "caught out" by soaring temperatures this weekend. 

The UK is expected to be hotter than some of Europe’s holiday destinations, including Ibiza and Tenerife, on Friday, with the mercury soaring to 37C in London.

Temperatures in Southampton are expected to reach 31C on Saturday - the third and hottest day for the four-day heatwave.

The Met Office has warned that after a slightly cooler week, people could underestimate the heat, which could cause dehydration and sunburn, especially the most vulnerable.

Grahame Madge, a Met Office spokesman, said: “Everyone needs to be careful during this heatwave, especially on Friday, where we are going to see a dramatic rise in temperature in some parts, exceeding the heatwave threshold.

“After a slightly cooler week, people should make sure they aren’t caught out. If you need to travel, keep hydrated and apply sunscreen; the chance of sunburn and dehydration will be much higher.”

Daily Echo:

The heatwave is expected to last until Sunday.

Forecasters believe Friday could even surpass the 37.8C recorded in Heathrow on July 31 – the hottest day of the year so far, and the UK’s third warmest ever.

Public Health England (PHE) has issued a heat-health warning, with people advised to stay cool indoors by closing curtains that face the sun and ensuring pets or children are not kept in vehicles.

Ishani Kar-Purkayastha, consultant in public health at PHE, said: “This summer, many of us are spending more time at home due to Covid-19. A lot of homes can overheat, so it’s important we continue to check on older people and those with underlying health conditions, particularly if they’re living alone and may be socially isolated.”