Cumbria is set to get warm and sunny weather this early May bank holiday weekend.
The Met Office is predicting warm temperatures reaching up to 26 degrees in some parts of the county over the next few days and up to 17 degrees over the weekend.
It said Cumbria is currently experiencing temperatures well above the late-April norm.
Tonight will bring in late evening sunshine as well a dry night and clear skies. There is a small chance of isolated mist patches appearing in the morning but temperatures will remain at a minimum of 10 degrees early on.
Thursday will then bring widespread sunshine during the morning with cloud spilling across the county into the afternoon and a small chance of isolated showers.
Despite the potential showers, temperatures will remain high and may reach up to 27 degrees.
Friday to Sunday and into Monday, the county will see the high temperatures drop and return to the seasonal average over the weekend, with highs of up to 17 degrees.
The weather will stay dry and sunny over the bank holiday with some variable cloud.
There is also a chance of some showers and thunderstorms developing from Thursday night onwards – but the weather forecaster said they are more likely in the south and southwest of England.
UV and pollen levels will also be high across Cumbria this week.
The Met Office added that according to its records, which go back to 1860, if any part of the UK reaches 30 degrees this week, it will be the earliest point in the year in which the country has reached 30 degrees.
While the warm weather might feel ideal for swimming – the RNLI are warning that the water is still very cold at this time of year.
Chris Cousens, RNLI water safety lead for the North West, said: “Although the air temperature is rising, the sea temperature remains low enough to cause cold water shock.
“Enter the water slowly, take time to acclimatise and try to relax. We advise wearing a wetsuit and avoid swimming alone.
“If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live. Tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can.
“Remember to check the tide times and weather conditions before heading to the beach. This week there are big tides, this increases the speed at which the tide comes in and puts the public at greater risk of being cut off.
“If you find yourself or see anyone else in difficulty, please call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
“Please share these messages with your family and friends, we want everyone to enjoy our beautiful coast, and to stay safe whilst doing so.”
Dogs Trust Cumbria has also issued a warm weather warning to pet owners this week.
The Trust are advising owners that even mild spring temperatures, such as those forecast for later this week, and even lower temperatures, can contribute to heatstroke in pets.
It added that dogs can overheat at any temperature and at any time of year, and in some cases, heatstroke can be fatal.
Signs of heatstroke include heavy panting, which can sometimes look like smiling, and changes in their breathing pattern, such as using their tummy to breathe. Dogs may also appear lethargic and drowsy.
Other signs may include excessive drooling, uncoordinated or wobbly movements, and vomiting or diarrhoea. Heatstroke can look similar to signs of other illnesses, and you should always contact your vet if you are concerned.
Any breed of dog can be affected by heatstroke, however certain breeds, particularly brachycephalic or flat-faced dogs such as pugs, French bulldogs, and English bulldogs, are at significantly higher risk due to their compromised ability to regulate body temperature and narrow airways.
Older dogs, overweight dogs and dogs with certain underlying health conditions are also at a higher risk.
So, at what point does hot weather class as a heatwave in Cumbria?
In the UK – a heatwave is officially recorded when a region records a period of at least three consecutive days with a temperature that exceeds the heatwave temperature threshold.
The heatwave temperature threshold varies across the UK based on the county and in Cumbria, our heatwave threshold temperature is 25 degrees.
