Met Office issues amber weather warning in heatwave for New Forest and Christchurch
THE Met Office has issued an amber warning for Hampshire and Dorset as exceptionally high temperatures are expected to have a "widespread impact" this week.
Forecasts show the temperature could rise to over 35C by Monday – making it hotter than both Jamaica and Morocco.
The rare level-three heatwave alert means possible travel delays, road and rail closures, power cuts and even potential risk to life.
A Met Office statement said: "Temperatures will build again later this week and over the coming weekend, likely peaking on Sunday and Monday.
"Some exceptionally high temperatures are possible and cumulative effects of warm nights and hot days are expected to bring widespread impacts to people and infrastructure."
With significantly more people are likely to visit coastal areas, lakes and rivers, the national weather agency says there's an increased risk of water safety incidents.
Hampshire County Council's cabinet member for adult services and public health, Cllr Liz Fairhurst, has offered advice in coping with the conditions: "Planning ahead for hot weather is vital, particularly for those for whom the heat poses possible health risks. These include babies and young children, the elderly and those with chronic or long-term conditions.
"It’s good to prepare wherever possible, for example, by shopping ahead for food and medicines, and looking out for others."
The county's highways team are on standby to deal with any melting road surfaces, the council confirmed, and said – where needed – gritter lorries would spread light dustings of sand to soak up excess bitumen.
A spokesperson for the New Forest Dog Owners Group said it was key to avoid exercising pets during the hottest parts of the day.
He told the A&T: "If you can't get out early or late then it's better to give them a day off. There are lots of Forest walks where dogs can swim in streams or ponds and these are great for cooling your dog down if you take care."
He added: "Always have plenty of clean and cool water available and watch out for signs of heatstroke which can come on quickly. If your dog is panting excessively, drowsy or disoriented you should immediately get them to a shady area and try to gently cool them down. If you are worried or the dog does not return to normal quite quickly you should consult a vet."
The heatwave has meant business is booming for Lymington-based New Forest Ice Cream.
Director Niki Jenman told the A&T: "It’s fantastic to see an extended period of stunning weather on the south coast and amazing to witness the wonderful hospitality venues that serve New Forest Ice Cream buzzing once again after such a difficult few years.
"Ice cream sales obviously peak during the better weather and this week has been no exception with many of our top selling flavours being in hot demand."
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, as part of the Fire Kills campaign, is asking everyone to take extra care when cooking al fresco, especially when lighting barbecues.
BCP Council is also clamping down on possible fire risks at Hengistbury Head and St Catherine’s Hill by introducing a public spaces protection order (PSPO) which bans people from lighting campfires, lanterns and fireworks, and prohibits the use of barbecues.
