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Spring heat in the West comes with warnings

Tess de la Mare
BBC News, West of England
Longleat/Tom Anders A trio of giraffes look at the camera while in the background visitors watch them from a viewing platform at Longleat in WiltshireLongleat/Tom Anders
Longleat in Wiltshire was one of the attractions that has benefitted from sunshine this week

Thursday could be the hottest day of the year as the current spell of warm weather continues.

Forecasters believe temperatures in the south east of England could break the current record for 1 May, which was set in 1990.

Tourist attractions and coastal resorts in the West have proved popular this week as people escaped the heat of the towns and cities.

But the hot weather comes with warnings over water safety and fire risks.

A group of four young people with their backs to the camera sunbathe on the beach at Weston-super-Mare in Somerset
Plenty of people were enjoying the sunshine at places like Weston-super-Mare
A photograph of a couple sitting on a bench looking over a small harbour on a sunny day. The photograph is taken from behind.
Elsewhere in Somerset, this couple from Taunton were enjoying the view at Watchet Harbour

As temperatures have risen this week, the Canal & River Trust has warned people to be cautious with inland waterways, however tempting the thought of a dip may be.

The Canal & River Trust, the waterways charity which cares for 2,000 miles of waterways across England and Wales, is urging people to stay out of inland waters during the hot weather.

The trust said nearly two thirds of accidental drownings in the UK in 2023 happened in places such as canals, lakes, quarries and reservoirs.

Anne Gardner-Aston, director of health and safety at the trust, said: "It's important that people, especially children and teenagers, are aware of the dangers of cooling off by going for a dip. The consequences can be devastating.

"Inland waterways, like canals, rivers, reservoirs and docks, can look really inviting but you can't tell what is below the surface. Even if you are familiar with a stretch of water, it doesn't mean there aren't risks.

"The water often isn't clear, and you won't be able to see the depth or any obstacles in the water."

Avon Fire and Rescue Service has also reiterated its safety warnings about staying safe near water.

Lucas Harcombe A climber hangs by one arm on a cliff. A road runs beneath it and a river is visible on the right. The Clifton Suspension Bridge is visible in the background. Lucas Harcombe
The fine weather has drawn climbers to the Avon Gorge
Mike Bradley A photo of Dunkery Beacon in Exmoor, Somerset. Rolling moorland under a blue sky. A single-lane road cuts through the picture and a red bike lies in the foreground. Mike Bradley
One cyclist paused on Dunkery Beacon on Exmoor to admire the view
A photograph of a gothic cathedral taken on a sunny day. Two groups of people sunbathe in front.
Sunbathers took the chance to relax in front of Gloucester Cathedral
MJ Ballooning A Virgin-branded hot air balloon and a Thatchers -branded balloon hover over a playing field dotted with trees. A partially inflated blue and white balloon is visible to the left of the shot. MJ Ballooning
Hot air balloons took off from Victoria Park in Bath earlier this week
Two Canada Geese perch on the edge of a canal in Witchelstowe in Swindon in Wiltshire
These geese were staying close to the water at Witchelstowe, Swindon
The sunshine glints on the water at Henleaze Lake in Bristol as swimmers paddle in the distance
Henleaze Lake, a members-only spot in north Bristol, has proved a popular cooling-off spot
Two people are seen in the distance sunbathing by the Clifton Suspension Bridge on a sunny day
Green spaces such as these beside the Clifton Suspension Bridge were popular for sunbathers
A sea of buttercups on a playing field in Taunton. A rusty set of goal post is visible in the distance.
This sea of buttercups was photographed in Taunton
SS Great Britain A seagull perches on a wharf of Bristol Harbour in the sunshine. An old fashioned three-mast ship is visible on the opposite quayside. Rows of multicoloured houses sit on the hillside. SS Great Britain
This seagull was enjoying some of the best views in Bristol, including the colourful houses in Hotwells, after finding a comfy spot by the SS Great Britain on the harbour.

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