As Britons enjoy the spring heatwave, dog owners are being urged to take precautions for their pets. The Bank Holiday weekend has brought summer-like conditions, with temperatures repeatedly exceeding 30°C in parts of the UK.
Heatwave Threshold Met
A UK heatwave threshold is reached when a location records at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures at or above the county's threshold. Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Steve Kocher stated: "Temperatures will climb through the weekend, especially in the south, where 30°C is likely on Saturday and 32°C on Sunday. They are forecast to peak on Monday, with 33°C possible in southern England and the Midlands."
RSPCA Advice
The RSPCA has previously cautioned against walking dogs in hot weather, advising owners to avoid areas with little shade such as beaches and fields. The charity recommends taking pets out "in the early morning or late evening when it's cooler." RSPCA dog welfare specialist Esme Wheeler warned that walking dogs in hot conditions can be a "silent killer," as reported by The Independent.
No weather warnings have been issued by the Met Office for Monday, May 25, but several regions are expected to approach or exceed 30°C. Dogs should be walked before 9am, when temperatures across most of the country will be in the low to mid-20s. By 10am, many areas will see highs in the late 20s, and from midday, much of the UK will experience temperatures over 30°C, which is forecast to persist into the night.
