The Met Office has forecast a ten-day heatwave with highs of 95F (35C) in Britain from Thursday until mid-August, describing an 'African heat flare' that will bring 'drier, brighter and very warm' weather, especially in southeastern areas.
Weather Outlook forecaster Brian Gaze said: 'August could rescue summer. Computer models suggest a very warm or hot period from Thursday, lasting for as long as mid-month. 35C is possible again.'
The warning comes as the Coastguard reported its busiest day in over four years on Friday, handling more than 300 incidents as the UK recorded its third hottest day ever. Local authorities expressed concern about keeping tourists safe in the water, as well as the potential spread of Covid-19 and maintaining social distancing.
Thanet District Council asked people to avoid four of the area's beaches, including Margate's Main Sands, due to the number of visitors. Council leader Councillor Rick Everitt said: 'Early on, it became clear that they were going to reach levels of which we were concerned about.' He added: 'If you have too many people on the beach, it just becomes unmanageable from that point of view.'
Images showed large crowds on beaches in Bournemouth, Brighton, and other coastal areas, with many sunseekers ignoring social distancing rules. Police were seen dispersing crowds in Brighton to enforce the guidelines.
