The UK is set to bask in a heatwave this weekend, and the government has issued advice on the drinks you should be avoiding – but they may come as something of a surprise
As the UK braces for a sizzling weekend, families are being advised to steer clear of sugary fizzy drinks amidst the soaring temperatures.
The Met Office forecasts a mercury surge over the next two days, with some regions set to swelter in highs of 33C by Saturday, prompting the UKHSA to issue heat health alerts across the nation.
With the impending heatwave, Brits will be seeking ways to stay cool and avoid dehydration risks. Gov.UK highlights that while water and diluted squash are top picks for hydration, fruit juice and sugary fizzy drinks could lead to further dehydration due to their high sugar levels, as stated in the official heatwave guidance, reports the Express.
The government’s advice emphasises: “Drink fluids regularly throughout the day especially if you are physically active. You should drink enough that your pee is a pale straw colour.”
It recommends: “Water and diluted squash or lower fat milks are good choices.”
However the official advice also cautions: “Fruit juice, smoothies and soft drinks can be high in sugar which dehydrates the body. Limit the amount of fruit juice or smoothies that you drink, and swap sugary soft drinks for diet, sugar-free or no added sugar varieties.”
It’s wise to steer clear of booze or at least alternate it with water: “Alcohol has a dehydrating effect on the body, so it is a good idea to choose alcohol-free options, or alternate alcoholic drinks with a glass of water.”
The guidance also recommends carrying a refillable water bottle when out and about, noting: “If you are going out, take a refillable bottle filled with water. Take extra water for journeys on public transport or by car.”
The Met Office anticipates that heatwave conditions will be confirmed by week’s end.
In their latest update, the weather gurus stated: “Conditions are warming up, with heatwave criteria expected to be reached in parts of the UK by the end of the week.
“It is going to be widely dry with sunny spells over the coming days, although Northern Ireland and Scotland are likely to be cloudier at first and it will be breezy near some North Sea coasts. Temperatures will climb into the low 30s, although they are not expected to be quite as high as experienced at the end of June/early July.”
Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Jason Kelly, stated: “High pressure from the Atlantic will lead to a build in temperatures over the coming days, with heatwave criteria reached by the weekend. Whilst temperatures are expected to build day on day, becoming widely hot, they are unlikely to surpass those recorded at the start of the month. This heatwave is expected to be longer lived and extend further north and west into a larger part of the UK than previously seen this summer.
“Temperatures are expected to peak over the weekend and ease early next week. They are expected to reach 30°C in some areas today and exceed 30°C more widely tomorrow (Friday), with peak temperatures on Saturday of 33°C possible in parts of England and Wales.
“Scotland is also expected to meet heatwave criteria over the weekend. This hot spell is forecast to last longer and cover a broader area than previous ones so far this summer and pollen and UV levels will be very high in some areas.”