School shorts and safety warnings as sun returns
PA MediaWhile temperatures across north-east England and Cumbria may not hit the heights of some parts of the UK, schools are shedding blazers as authorities shine a light on safety.
Some schools relaxed uniform rules with one suggesting students wear PE kit instead, while a tanning salon changed its opening hours to guard against sunbeds overheating.
Meanwhile, those lucky enough to be heading for the hills or bodies of water have been advised to take basic safety precautions and know their limits when hiking or swimming.
Transport chiefs have warned summer weather could lead to cancelations or delays, with LNER suggesting rail passengers only travel if absolutely necessary on Wednesday and Thursday.
The Met Office has issued a rare red warning for extreme heat in some parts of the UK, prompting LNER to advise people to check weather sites and its own journey planner before making any decisions on travel.
In the North East and Cumbria, temperatures could touch 30C in some places and high 20s are forecast for much of the region.
The Lake District National Park Authority said those heading for a swim should be aware that even on hot days open water can still be very cold.
It advised people not to swim alone.
Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team said: "While the weather may look perfect for an adventure, extreme heat can quickly turn a great day out into a dangerous situation."
It said people should set off early to avoid the hottest part of the day and wear a hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen.
Hikers should also rest often in shaded areas if possible and know their route and limits.
Health bosses everywhere have similarly advised sun cream and drinking water, but also reminded people to check on vulnerable friends, relatives and neighbours.
Owen Humphreys/PA WireIn Cumbria, schools relaxing uniform rules this week include St John Henry Newman Catholic School and West Lakes Academy, which said pupils would not need to wear their blazers or jumpers but all other uniform should be as normal.
Pupils at Caldew School have been given more freedom and are allowed to wear their PE kits.
On the other side of the region, anyone hoping to cool off at the water feature at Blyth's Ridley Park will be disappointed as it is closed for repairs.
Sleeping can be a problem in hot weather, so people should make sure bedrooms are kept cool.
It helps to open windows on the shady side of the property and close them on the sunny side, then open all the windows before bed to get a through breeze.
Dr Neil Stanley from the Newcastle Sleep Station said: "If you want to have a shower before bed have a lukewarm one rather than a cold one.
"This might sound odd but the thing is if you have a cold one you cool down the skin and the body goes 'hang on the skin has gone cool, I'm going to have to send some warm blood to warm it up'."
Common sense cows
It is not just people who suffer in the heat, it can also impact on animals, in particular dogs.
The RSPCA said they should have access to shaded areas, both indoors and out, with plenty of clean water left out for them.
Walks should take place in the early morning or late evening when it is cooler.
Hall Hill Farm in Lanchester, County Durham, is home to livestock including highland cattle, whose shaggy coats are not best adapted to hot weather.
But farmer Richard Darlington said: "The cattle can graze at night, and sleep during the day.
"We have plenty of woodland so there's shade for them, as long as they have shade they are happy.
"It's the same with the sheep, when I came out at 6am they were grazing but when I looked a few hours later they were just chilling.
"Animals have more common sense than humans."
PA MediaThe weather can also impact on businesses in unusual ways.
Sunset Studio Tanning Salon in Kendal posted on social media that it would change its hours on Wednesday and Thursday to "ensure the safety and comfort of our customers and protect our sunbeds during the hottest part of the day".
