Numbers soar at lido as hot spell nears 30C

Cambridge basked in sizzling temperatures yesterday – as health chiefs issued hot weather warnings.
With 90F (30C) almost reached in the city, the lido on Jesus Green was packed with people looking to cool off.
But the heat proved too much for animals and birds at Shepreth Wildlife Park.
Rebecca Willers, animal care manager, said: “To keep the animals cool in this extreme heat, we have been freezing bloodsicles for the tigers, showering the emus with cool water and freezing fruit into blocks of ice for the primates to play with.”

Health chiefs at NHS East of England urged people to look after themselves – and others – during the hot spell after the Met Office issued a Level 2 heatwave alert.
Dr Anne McConville, acting regional director of public health with NHS East of England, said: “Dehydration is one of the biggest causes of illness during hot conditions so it is essential to make sure you drink plenty of water, wear a sun hat and T-shirt and avoid long periods sitting in direct sunlight, especially in the middle of the day.
“Always apply plenty of sunscreen to yourself and your children, and look after the elderly and those suffering from long-term conditions by checking on them regularly and making sure they are staying cool and drinking plenty of fluids.”
As the Cambridge University rooftop weather service measured the top temperature at just below 90F (30C) yesterday afternoon, with 100 per cent sunshine, forecasters warned thunderstorms last night would bring the hot weather to an abrupt end.
The Environment Agency and Met Office have issued a warning about the risk of flash flooding in the Eastern region today.
They said heavy and thundery showers were expected to develop last night, which could result in localised flooding. Between 25 and 50mm of rain was predicted in some places.
Amateur weather forecaster Peter Martin, 57, who runs a weather watch website from Saffron Walden, said temperatures would gradually fall during the week, with rain expected on Sunday – good news for rail operators after train timetables went into meltdown yesterday.
The heat affected overhead power lines, causing train cancellations between London Liverpool Street and Suffolk and Essex.