Britain’s longest hot snap in two decades claims its first two victims amid warning more will die as the country bakes in 33C heat
THE longest heatwave in more than two decades has turned deadly after at least two tragic swimming deaths - as health experts warned as many as 400 people could die this week because of the sweltering conditions.
The South and West of the country basked in another day of sunshine and soaring temperatures up to 33C (91F) today, the fourth day in a row in the 30s with forecasters saying the next two days could be even hotter.
The heatwave has already claimed at least two lives after a teenage boy drowned in a reservoir near Rochdale, Greater Manchester, and an elderly woman died after being pulled from the sea in East Wittering, Sussex.
The lad, named on social media as Paul Lawson, got into trouble while swimming with pals at 6pm last night at the Greenbooth Reservoir beauty spot.
His body was recovered later by police frogmen called to search underwater.
Pal Thuba Mlambo said online: “Can't believe what I'm hearing another beautiful soul taken from this world far too soon, RIP Paul Lawson fly high with the angels, got many happy memories that I will forever cherish.”
Detective Chief Inspector John Harris said: “My sincerest condolences are with the boy’s family at hearing this heart-wrenching news.
“We are working closely with our partners and witnesses to the incident to understand the circumstances.”
In East Wittering the elderly woman died despite frantic efforts to save her life yesterday afternoon as emergency teams and a helicopter were scrambled to the beach.
She was pulled from the water at 2.40pm after getting into distress. It is thought she either drowned or died from a medical episode while she was in the water.
Sussex police said: "Sadly the woman died at the scene. She is believed to be in her 80s and local to the Witterings.
Rescue services warned the sea is still cold enough to shock even strong swimmers despite the heatwave.
The RNLI said: "If you're going to take the plunge and have a swim, make sure you're wearing a good wetsuit or drysuit.
"Keeping warm in the cold can take a lot of energy, so fatigue can be an issue.
"And if you see someone in trouble in the water don't attempt to rescue them yourself, as you could also be putting yourself in more danger."
Monday - the hottest of the year so far at 32.5C - saw train tracks buckle and road surfaces melting as many parts of the country hit 30C or the high 20s.
But the blazing heatwave is set to end with thunderstorms and torrential rain from tomorrow - although the mercury will still leave London sweltering in 34C heat.
And while the Met Office had a level three amber heatwave warning in place over recent days - they've now issued a yellow severe weather warning for rain.
The whole of the Midlands, North of England, parts of Wales and the Scottish Borders can expect torrential conditions, with the worst hit places seeing three weeks' worth of rain in an hour.
It comes after carers and NHS staff were put on alert over fears vulnerable people may be at risk in the blistering weather.
Social and healthcare workers were told to look out for high-risk groups and ensure the elderly, children and those with medical conditions are kept cool and hydrated.
The Met Office's alert follows another by the Public Health England watchdog, which appealed to families to check on neighbours.
Dr Thomas Waite of PHE said: "For some people, such as older people, those with underlying health conditions and those with young children, the summer heat can bring real health risks.
"That's why we're urging everyone to keep an eye on those you know who may be at risk this summer. If you're able, ask if your friends, family or neighbours need any support."
Writing in the Times, Dr Mark Porter said there could be 400 deaths due to the heatwave this week, based on what happened in the summer of 2006.
Many will be due to heart attacks, strokes and breathing problems in the hot weather.
NHS figures suggest there will be 75 additional deaths a week for every degree the temperature rises above 25C.
Dr Porter says common drugs used to treat hay fever and depression inhibit sweating while medicine for high blood pressure can cause dehydration and make the kidneys work harder, creating a "vicious circle".
The heart also has to work harder in the hot weather, while air pollution is worse in a heatwave causing breathing problems.
The doctor said sweating is essential to regulate our body temperature in very hot weather "and anything that impedes that can have serious repercussions".
He wrote: "Lots of things affect our ability to perspire, ranging from the obvious (such as inappropriate clothing and dehydration) to the surprising (certain medicines).
"Young children, who have higher metabolic rates and sweat less, and the elderly, who start to lose fine control of thermoregulation as they age and are likely to be on lots of pills, are most vulnerable to heat, but we are all at risk."
The NHS advises people to stay out of the sun when it is strongest between 11am and 3pm.
It also says: "Keep rooms cool by using shades, have cool baths or showers and stay hydrated."
Yesterday the heat peaked at 32.5C (90.5F) in Hampton, South West London, the third day in a row with temperatures above 30C - the first time this has happened since 2005.
Forecasters say today and tomorrow could be just as hot or hotter, making it the longest heatwave since 1995.
Beaches are set to be packed once again as it will be hotter than the Maldives in the Indian Ocean and Mediterranean resorts in Sicily and Crete.
Some experts say the mercury on Wednesday and Thursday could even hit 35C, making it the hottest June day since the great drought of 1976.
Royal Ascot considered relaxing its glam dress code of top hat and tails before the posh race meeting got under way today, while festival-goers will enjoy the warmest ever Glastonbury from tomorrow.
The Trades Union Congress said workers should be allowed to go home when the temperature goes above 30C and urged employers to provide cool drinks for staff, allow them to take regular breaks and to relax dress codes.
Commuters were braced for further travel chaos after roads melted in Manchester and Guildford and there were delays and cancellations on the railways yesterday.
Today workmen were out repairing roads that melted in Doddington, Cambs, as surface temperatures reached 40C.
Winter gritters were also deployed over fears vehicles would skid on the liquid surface.
Agnes Owen, who works at a service station, said: "It sounded like cars were driving on water. The tyres were literally ripping the tarmac off the road.";
Melting asphalt was also spotted alongside tram tracks yesterday in Croydon, close to the site of a fatal crash last year.
Sarah Preece, 30, said: "I noticed that the surface of the tram tracks was hanging off - it looked as if someone had torn the surface.
"Each time a tram went over the tracks that the damage worsened, and the trains made a loud grinding noise as it went over."
Transport for London blamed a sealant and said there was no danger to trams.
Yesterday rail tracks warped in the heat near Bristol, and in East Anglia almost 50 rail services were axed due to speed limits imposed over fears tracks would buckle in the fierce sunshine.
But while it will be hot again today in the South and West, the Met Office issued a weather warning for heavy rain in the North East of England.
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