SUNSEEKERS in Bradford are being warned to keep their brollies close at hand as weather gurus predict the district's mini heatwave could give way to severe thunderstorms later tomorrow.
Forecasters from the Met Office say the storms expected after 4pm, as thermometers peak at 27 degrees centigrade tomorrow, could also be accompanied by hailstones as big as 1cm in size.
But stormy weather ahead was the last thing on people's minds today as they flocked to Bradford's City Park and Mirror Pool for a cooling retreat with youngsters paddling, families picnicking and workers grabbing some lunch-time sun before reluctantly returning to their offices - resembling a scene more from a seaside postcard than an inner city sun spot.
The Met Office has declared a Level 2 Heat-health alert triggered by the significant effect the lofty temperatures could have on health.
Bradford Council for Mosques President, Rafiq Seghal, says because of fasting for the month of Ramadan it is especially important people make sure they keep up their fluid intake at both the close and before the opening of fasting time.
He said: "The sunshine might be good for the country because we don't get much of it but for Muslims who are fasting it's a time to be careful, we don't want anyone taking ill or dehydrating. Children especially need to be reminded by their families to drink plenty before and after fasting."
Today, temperatures topped 26 degrees centigrade at around 3pm before dipping to around 22 degrees before midnight and then predicted to climb back up to 25 degrees by noon tomorrow before soaring even higher to a sweltering 27 degrees by 3pm with risk of storms continuing until 11pm.
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For the rest of the week the heat will continue but settle a little between 23 degrees and 24 degrees with some showers expected on Saturday Sizzling temperatures have seen people cast off their coats and long-sleeves has also brought about a caution from Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust who want people to take care to avoid sun-induced problems such as breathing difficulties, fainting and unconsciousness.
Dr David Macklin, executive director of operations at the Trust and an A&E doctor, said: "When temperatures rise, we tend to see an increase in calls for ambulance assistance. With a heatwave forecast for the rest of this week I would like to offer a few words of advice which may help prevent people in Yorkshire becoming victims of the sunshine."
He said older people, babies and young children are most at risk in the hot weather and to keep as cool as possible, people should try not to go out in the sun between 11am to 3pm and if they do, should drink plenty of water and slap on the sun cream.
A retirement housing scheme in Bradford is also backing health advice being given out to older people.
Tracey Harrison, Scheme Manager, from Anchor at Scholebrook Court in Broadfield Close says staff at the scheme will be taking extra steps to make sure residents are staying cool and keeping hydrated in the heat because of risks of dehydration and heat stroke.
18-month-old Miko Skoczek at Ilkley Lido with mum Sabina from Skipton
And she added; "Anchor is urging the wider community to keep a close eye on elderly neighbours and their older relatives who may live alone and are more vulnerable in the heat. It's important to avoid caffeinated drinks as they are dehydrating. Drink plenty of cold fluids like water and fruit juices. Also try to avoid hot meals where possible and instead eat salads and fruit because they are water based."
On a reassuring note, Yorkshire Water says it has enough water supply to cope with the hot weather demand, expecting householders usual use of 1.2 billion litres of water a day to spike up to 1.4 billion litres by tomorrow. The company’s average water levels across its reservoirs, rivers and boreholes are currently 82% full - however, the firm will be at Bingley Show on Saturday, July 15 with its new Save a little, save a lot campaign calling on customers to think more carefully about how they use water in their homes during the summer months.
How are you enjoying the warm weather? Tweet us your pictures @Bradford_TandA, send them to us via Facebook, or email us at newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk.
Ella Young, four, enjoys a day at Ilkley Lido
Michael and Carol Dodd cool off at Ilkley Lido
Andre Rozycki and daughter Nikola from Skipton splash about at Ilkley Lido
Water fun for Paul Ellis and granddaughter Poppy, four, from Draughton
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