Scorchio!

Tuesday 19 July 2016

We've been waiting for it for weeks but it looks like Summer has finally arrived as the temperature gauge rocketed to 35.2C - officially the hottest ever recorded on the Island in July.

The record breaker is now the highest we have seen at this time of the year since the 1950's, but cooler weather is set to arrive tomorrow.

Senior Meteorologist Paul Aked said: “The warmest July day on record was 34.8 degrees and that was on 1 July 1952 so it could be a July record today if we exceed that.

“The warmest ever day on record was in fact in August, 36.0 and that was on 9 August 2003.

“When we are looking at daily maximum, the lowest maximum during the day in July was 13.4 which is pretty grim on 2 July 1972, that’s not to be mixed with the mins at night which do go lower than that.

“The lowest minimum on record, is 8.7 and that was a minimum at night in July which happens to have been on 13 July 1907.”

Summer has been a slow burner but now it's finally scorching, we’re now being warned not to overdo it with the Health Department dishing out tips to help you keep your cool over the next few days.

Medical Officer of Health Dr Susan Turnbull said: “Temperatures are already quite hot in Jersey and are forecast to become even hotter in the next few days. 

“Taking precautions is particularly important to those most at risk from the effects of exposure to heat. This includes older people, especially those over 75, babies and young children and people with a chronic medical condition, especially heart or respiratory problems.”

The department say these steps should help you cope with the heat:

• Shut windows, pull down the shades or keep the curtains closed to keep your rooms as cool as possible. If it’s safe, open them for ventilation when it is cooler;

• Avoid overheating : stay out of the sun and don’t go out between 11am and 3pm (the hottest part of the day) if you’re vulnerable to the effects of heat;

• Have cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water;

• Drink cold drinks regularly, such as water and fruit juice. Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol;

• Identify the coolest room in the house so you know where to go to keep cool;

• Wear loose, cool clothing

• Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves;

• Take steps to ensure protection from the sun through the use of sunscreen and hats – such measures are especially important for babies and young children;

• Be aware that extreme levels of heat can develop in cars and other confined spaces, and avoid leaving children and pets in cars, even for very short periods. 

Forecasters say we're getting the hot weather coming in from the continent but it's due to cool off quite a bit tomorrow with temperatures around ten degrees lower and they say that's because the winds will be going in a more westerly direction, drawing in some cooler Atlantic air.