IT has certainly been a week for messing about on and by the river.
And where better to soak up some of the rays than on the banks of the Avon?
Summer finally arrived as temperatures in the district reached a sizzling 33C – or 92F as some older Observer readers may better appreciate.
Young or old there was no mistaking the fact it was hot – not far off the highest July reading recorded in the UK, which was 36.7C (98.06F) in 2015.
But with the heat came those all important health warnings, from slapping on the suncream to drinking plenty of water, to checking on those particularly vulnerable, such as the elderly.
Dr John Linnane, Director of Public Health at Warwickshire County Council, said: “During hot spells vulnerable groups, such as older people, feel the severe effects of heat more than others and it’s long been recognised that death rates rise in the early stages of heat waves.
“The best advice is to relax, stay cool, drink lots of cold fluids and if you can, keep an eye on those you know to be at risk.”
West Midlands Ambulance Service was also geared up for a busy time.
A spokesman said: “The hot weather can make breathing difficult for healthy individuals, so for those with pre-existing breathing problems it can obviously be a difficult time.
“Those who suffer with emphysema, asthma and long term breathing problems should take extra care, remaining indoors as much as possible.”
