BRITAIN IN FOR A SCORCHER
Weather forecasters are predicting a heatwave this summer that could beat the record for Britain's highest ever temperature.
The hottest temperature on record was the 101-degrees Fahrenheit recorded in 2003.
The Met Office says average temperatures in June, July and August will be unusually high.
The Department of Health has published a leaflet telling the public how to protect themselves in a heatwave.
It has been estimated that 27,000 people in Europe died directly because of the heatwave in 2003 - some 2,000 of them in Britain.
To avoid this happening again the Government has updated its plan and printed new public information leaflets.
The Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson said: "It is particularly important that for those over 75 the necessary precautions are taken to avoid serious harm through heat exhaustion and heat stroke."
Sir Liam said that timely preventive measures could reduce excess deaths.
The heatwave plan includes close monitoring of heat-related illnesses reported to GPs and NHS Direct.
These would trigger different levels of alert so the NHS and other public bodies can react as the weather hots up.
The leaflet Heatwave - a guide to looking after yourself - includes advice such as planning your day to stay out of the heat.
Other suggestions include avoiding going out in the hottest part of the day, wearing a hat and loose fitting clothes and drinking plenty of water.
Sky