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London 999 call-outs rise in heatwave as storms set to end sunshine

Watering hole: deer in Richmond Park today cool off as temperatures are set for 34C: Lucy Young
Watering hole: deer in Richmond Park today cool off as temperatures are set for 34C: Lucy Young

Emergency calls to London Ambulance Service have soared by almost 30 per cent amid the heatwave it emerged today, as thunderstorms were forecast to bring the sunny weather to a close.

The Met Office has issued a yellow storm warning for all of England and the eastern half of Scotland, with the risk of heavy downpours.

Temperatures in London were set to exceed 34C today, with about a 20 per cent risk of thunderstorms after 3pm.

Forecasters said there was “significant uncertainty” over the timing and location of the storms but put most of the UK on alert. There was a “small chance” homes and businesses could be flooded.

It came as LAS revealed it had received 5,820 calls yesterday, up 29 per cent on the 4,500 a week earlier. Monday saw a 27 per cent hike, from 4,678 to 5,953.

Many of the additional calls were thought to have been weather-related, such as fainting, breathing problems and chest pains.

Dr Fenella Wrigley, chief medical officer at LAS, said: “Wherever possible, keep out of the sun especially during the middle of the day.

"If you are going out, take a bottle of water and remember to take your medication with you, especially if you are asthmatic. Please continue to check on vulnerable people.”

Mayor Sadiq Khan has extended a “high” air pollution alert for ozone until the end of today, which means people with heart and lung problems should avoid physical exertion. The alert was activated last Friday.

Under its yellow warning, the Met Office is predicting storms in particular for the North-West, North Wales and the West Midlands which could see “exceptional” rainfall totals of 60 millimetres in an hour.

The Environment Agency said further heavy showers could cause more flooding in “mostly urban areas” of England until Friday.

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