What Dorset’s weather experts are saying about heatwave

Experts have forecast temperatures could hit "record highs" after the Met Office issued an amber weather warning for this Sunday, July 17.

Bournemouth and Poole Weather said: "If the current forecast does not change I would expect that amber warning to become an extremely rare red warning.

"However, it is likely this wouldn't be issued until Saturday at the earliest and that in the weather game is an extremely long time."

He also warned of the impact the soaring heat could have on animals and humans.

He said: "One thing that is also extremely important and often forgotten is our pets, high temperatures and dogs do not mix well. I would strongly urge people not to walk dogs on pavements between 10am and 7-8pm. 

"Even a 30C air temperature can raise surface temperatures to over 50C and that's more than enough to burn paws and cause heatstroke to animals.

READ MORE: Pets at Home releases summer range for keeping cool and fun in the sun

Bournemouth beach. Picture taken: 12/06/2021.

"For most people, even those that don't particularly like heat they'll be able to deal with it relatively easily, even with some particularly uncomfortable nights with temperatures not dropping below 20C by staying hydrated.

"I'm sure if the current forecast doesn't back down 'official advice' will be issued. It's probably worth just checking in on elderly relatives to make sure they are prepared for some unusually warm weather."

READ MORE: Met Office weather: 7 tip to keep homes cool as UK heatwave hits

Fellow Bournemouth-based weather enthusiast Dorset Sun said: "Notably tomorrow is when we will see highs into the low 30s. An isolated 33C could be recorded inland. During the middle of the week, it then turns slightly cooler under a northerly flow. Highs between 24-27C are expected up until Friday.

"By Saturday we are likely to see a return of a southerly flow. Over the weekend it could turn very hot. Some models are suggesting temperatures as high as 35C could be recorded in Dorset. 

The peak heat is expected between Sunday and next Tuesday as high pressure slides towards the South East of the U.K. and introduces very warm air from the south."

BCP Council told the Echo they will not be activating a Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP).

A BCP spokesperson said: "SWEP is activated only when there is a real risk of loss of life due to weather conditions."

Councillor Jane Kelly said: "To ensure that everyone has a great summer this year and in readiness for hot weather, we have heavily invested in operations across our coastline to ensure everyone, visitors and residents, get to enjoy our resort safely.

“As part of our campaign with City to Sea, we have provided 150 plus free drinking water sites along the seafront, to tackle plastic pollution.

"This extra water provision will be invaluable in helping keep people cool at the beach.

"The sites include 18 seafront kiosks, over 130 beachfront taps and 15 new ‘hydration stations.’’