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04/07/2006
Drivers urged to take care in heatwave conditions
Drivers have been urged to take extra care on the roads as continuing high temperatures continue to affect the UK.
The Highways Agency has urged motorists to ensure they have drinking water in their vehicle. In a statement, the Highways Agency said: "Drivers and their passengers, including pets, can become dehydrated in their vehicles during hot weather and carrying water can help them deal with high temperatures. We want travellers to not suffer discomfort from the effects of dehydration."
Severe thunderstorms and heavy downpours have also been forecast for different parts of the UK and the Highways Agency warned that heavy rain and spray were likely to reduce visibility on the roads.
Drivers have been urged to slow down and keep well back from the vehicle travelling in front because it takes longer to slow down and stop in wet weather. Motorists are also advised to test their brakes after driving through water.
The Highways Agency recommends that drivers should check the latest information on weather and road conditions before setting out on their journey. Information is available from the Met Office website at: www.metoffice.gov.uk and from the Highways Agency website at: www.highways.gov.uk
Defra has also issued a warning about continuing summer smog due to the high temperatures.
High ozone levels were recorded over the weekend in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Brighton, Leicester, Portsmouth, Swansea, the Midlands, north-east, north-west, south-east, and south-west England, East Anglia and South Wales.
On Tuesday, ozone concentrations are expected to remain high in England, where no thunderstorms are forecast, and moderate in Wales, Northern Ireland and some parts of Scotland. Ozone levels are expected to be low in northern Scotland.
However, ozone concentrations are expected to reduce to moderate and low across the UK on Wednesday, as forecast back-trajectories become westerly and temperatures decline.
Some people are more sensitive to ozone than others and may begin to notice an effect on their breathing. Avoiding exercise outdoors in the afternoon can reduce exposure to ozone.
People with asthma are not necessarily more sensitive but, if affected, can use their 'reliever' inhaler.
Further information on action to take during periods of hot weather is available in the Heat Wave Plan available at: www.dh.gov.uk
(KMcA/SP)
The Highways Agency has urged motorists to ensure they have drinking water in their vehicle. In a statement, the Highways Agency said: "Drivers and their passengers, including pets, can become dehydrated in their vehicles during hot weather and carrying water can help them deal with high temperatures. We want travellers to not suffer discomfort from the effects of dehydration."
Severe thunderstorms and heavy downpours have also been forecast for different parts of the UK and the Highways Agency warned that heavy rain and spray were likely to reduce visibility on the roads.
Drivers have been urged to slow down and keep well back from the vehicle travelling in front because it takes longer to slow down and stop in wet weather. Motorists are also advised to test their brakes after driving through water.
The Highways Agency recommends that drivers should check the latest information on weather and road conditions before setting out on their journey. Information is available from the Met Office website at: www.metoffice.gov.uk and from the Highways Agency website at: www.highways.gov.uk
Defra has also issued a warning about continuing summer smog due to the high temperatures.
High ozone levels were recorded over the weekend in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Brighton, Leicester, Portsmouth, Swansea, the Midlands, north-east, north-west, south-east, and south-west England, East Anglia and South Wales.
On Tuesday, ozone concentrations are expected to remain high in England, where no thunderstorms are forecast, and moderate in Wales, Northern Ireland and some parts of Scotland. Ozone levels are expected to be low in northern Scotland.
However, ozone concentrations are expected to reduce to moderate and low across the UK on Wednesday, as forecast back-trajectories become westerly and temperatures decline.
Some people are more sensitive to ozone than others and may begin to notice an effect on their breathing. Avoiding exercise outdoors in the afternoon can reduce exposure to ozone.
People with asthma are not necessarily more sensitive but, if affected, can use their 'reliever' inhaler.
Further information on action to take during periods of hot weather is available in the Heat Wave Plan available at: www.dh.gov.uk
(KMcA/SP)
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04 August 2003
Heat wave raises air pollution levels
The UK's heat wave, which is expected to last most of the week, could have a less than positive effect for some people as the sun cooks up a summer smog for southern Britain. High levels of ozone were recorded yesterday in London and high levels were expected again today in London, southern and central England and south Wales.
Heat wave raises air pollution levels
The UK's heat wave, which is expected to last most of the week, could have a less than positive effect for some people as the sun cooks up a summer smog for southern Britain. High levels of ozone were recorded yesterday in London and high levels were expected again today in London, southern and central England and south Wales.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
