Scots set to bake this week as UK hit by Saharan heatwave

Scots are set to bake this week as an African heatwave brings sweltering temperatures to the UK.

The mercury is forecast to reach 32C in London today and is set to rise steadily until peaking at a tropics-rivalling 37C on Thursday, with added humidity meaning it will seem even hotter.

Scots will enjoy the balmy temperatures throughout Tuesday which are then set to peak at an average of 29C on Thursday.

However, humid conditions are expected to lead to thundery showers across the Central Belt, with rain hitting the West Coast later today.

Hayfever and asthma sufferers have been advised to stay indoors as the temperatures soar.

The NHS has urged people to check on their neighbours during the warm weather.

England’s chief nursing officer, Ruth May said: “The NHS will be there always for anyone who needs it, but everyone can help by checking in on vulnerable friends and neighbours, while making use of the free, convenient and helpful phone and online NHS services for minor illnesses, to help frontline staff provide care for those in emergency and serious need.”

A dog welfare charity has also urged pet owners to avoid leaving dogs in cars, even if only for a few minutes.

An American bulldog received treatment earlier this week after his body temperature soared to a life-threatening temperature 42.2C in Glasgow.

The mercury needs to reach at least 25C for three consecutive days for the majority of the UK to be classified as a heatwave.

The hot weather can be traced back to the north from a plume of Saharan air which is already hitting parts of Europe causing dangerously hot weather.

France is set for a second heatwave of the summer this week.

The country’s national weather agency, France Meteo, predicts the heatwave will last “three to four days rather than the six days of June’s heatwave”.

In the US, 50,000 people were left without power yesterday as the East Coast endured another day of extreme heat and humidity.

Forecasters believe the high pressure could mean the previous high for July, which was 36.7C recorded at Heathrow on July 1 2015, may be broken.’