The UK could have the hottest day in history, with temperatures expected to exceed 40ºC (104F) this week
BBC experts have answered a selection of your questions about the heat wave:
- Michelle Roberts -digital health editor
- Pallab Ghosh – scientific correspondent
- Alice Evans – Education reporter
- Nikki Berry – the weather forecaster
Should schools close during this extreme heat? Kelly Ng
Schools have not been ordered to close. Instead, they have been asked to take steps to make sure students stay safe and comfortable.
Guidelines issued for schools in England include:
- Give plenty of water to children
- Close windows and shutters, as long as the classrooms are ventilated
- Use of mechanical fans
- Watching for signs of heat stroke and exhaustion
Other steps schools are taking include relaxing uniform rules, handing out frosts and rescheduling sports days.
Some have decided to close early and others choose to close completely.
Do we have to paint our roofs white to keep our houses cool? John Walsh, Cornwall
White reflects more light than dark colors. For centuries, lighter-colored roofs have been used to keep buildings cool in the Middle East, North Africa and India.
It can be especially effective in cities, which may experience a rise in temperature.
However, the UK continues to experience cold weather and dark roofs can help warm a home in the winter.
There are other solutions to keep a home cool that include:
- Reduction of large windows
- Increased overhangs to reduce direct sunlight to windows
- Installation of shut-off valves to prevent fresh air from escaping
Is it worth wearing a damp cloth around your neck to stay cool? S Wilson, 60, Nottingham
In addition to drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated, cooling your skin with water is a good idea.
When the liquid evaporates from the surfaces they cool them. You can use a damp sponge or fresh flannel, or a spray of cold water.
Cold compresses on the neck and armpits can also help. Do what you feel comfortable with.
How can we keep our pets cool? She, 24, Nottingham
Like humans, animals can suffer from heat stroke.
The RSPCA says pets should never be left in cars, conservatories, outbuildings or caravans when it is hot, even for a short time.
To keep them safe, the RSPCA says:
- Make sure they have shade
- Give them constant access to fresh water
- Put ice cubes in your water bowl
- Give them wet towels wherever they are
How to keep pets cool when it’s hot
Image Source, Getty ImagesTitle Image,
Pets should have constant access to fresh water
My husband works on a golf course and the holidays are used up because of the heat wave. That is correct? Rachael Mason
An employer has the right to tell a worker to take the vacation he or she has accumulated on specified dates, says Emma Bartlett, a labor partner at law firm CM Murray.
The notice must be at least twice as long as the holiday to be used. For example, if an employer wants the worker to take five days off, the employer must notify at least 10 calendar days.
Will temperatures be higher in urbanized cities where the sun shines on the windows of high-rise buildings? Derek
Large urban areas tend to be warmer because there is relatively little bare land and vegetation and a large concentration of artificial materials. These absorb heat, rather than reflect it.
This phenomenon is known as urban heat island.
However, while the heat generated by transport can contribute, the reflection of the sun on the windows does not.
As London has the largest urban sprawl, it tends to have record temperatures.
What are the prospects later in the summer? Tim Scott, 30, East Grinstead, West Sussex
On Wednesday there will be considerable cooling, with a drop in maximum temperatures between 10 and 15 ºC compared to Tuesday.
It will still be hot in parts of the south and east for the rest of July.
Temperatures will sometimes be above 20 degrees, but there are no signs of any significant heat returning.
It looks like a warmer-than-normal August for the UK, but it’s extremely unlikely we’ll see anything like this current heat period.
Why does it take longer for temperatures to drop at the end of the day? And the hottest spot of the day seems to be later now? Sarah B, Leamington Spa
In this current weather pattern, we have a very warm mass of air rising from Spain.
Air masses are defined by temperature and humidity in a layer 0.9 miles (1.5 km) into the atmosphere. The temperature at this altitude is expected to reach around 21: 00-22: 00 BST Monday in much of England and Wales.
That’s also why the temperature won’t cool down very quickly overnight on Monday and that’s why we’re likely to see potentially record temperatures overnight.
How do you carry the heat? You can contact us by email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
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