Brits descend on UK beauty spots despite 30C heat warnings - as health officials issue yellow alert across England while hay fever sufferers brace for 'pollen bomb'

Brits have been soaking up the sun in beauty spots across the UK despite a health warning being issued for most of England - as temperatures look set to soar to 30C. 

The alert was issued for all but one region – the North East – with some areas advised of 'significant impacts' in the health and social care sector.

The yellow warning from the UK Health Security Agency and Met Office will be in force from tomorrow until Thursday afternoon.

Photos show revellers sunbathing at Africa Oye festival in Sefton Park, Liverpool, today, with some bringing ice boxes and beach tents to keep themselves cool in the heat. 

Meanwhile, others enjoyed a day out at Castle Grounds in Guildford, Surrey, following a colder start to June that saw Brits disappointed by cooler than normal temperatures. 

It comes as the hot weather is expected to see more Brits stay indoors and work from home next week as they shun getting on stuffy trains and in hot cars.  

The hot weather comes as hay fever and asthma sufferers were warned to expect a 'pollen bomb' today, triggered by rising temperatures after weeks of cold and rain. Forecasters say the entire country, except the Scottish Highlands, will have 'very high' pollen levels.

The charity Asthma + Lung UK is urging those with severe symptoms to 'avoid going outdoors as much as possible' to prevent severe attacks.

Experts say the cold weather and record rain levels since April mean grass has retained much of its pollen, which has built up and is now ready to be released.

'When the weather is warm and dry, grass tends to release more pollen,' said Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge. 

'A sudden heatwave after a period of cool temperatures – such as the one occurring this week – therefore causes a burst of pollen release.'

The effects of the pollen bomb are expected to continue until the end of the week, when rain is forecast.

The warning comes as Britain prepares to be hit by a heatwave next week with the mercury set to peak at 27C on Wednesday. 

Dan Rudman, Met Office deputy chief meteorologist, said most parts of the country will bask in mid-20c heat from the beginning of next week. 

'Some central and southern areas are likely to see temperatures approaching the values needed for heatwave conditions, ' he said. 

'Heatwave conditions need to remain in situ for three consecutive days, and by the beginning to middle of next week it is possible that some parts of the UK could be reaching heatwave thresholds.

'However, whether or not everyone experiences heatwave thresholds, the majority of the UK will experience the highest temperatures so far this year.'

The searing heat the day after England play their crucial final group game against Slovenia at Euro 2024 could also mean fans will be nursing hangovers. 

Alan Price, the chief executive of BrightHR, told The Telegraph HR departments are on standby for a plethora of leave requests from Brits wanting to go outside and enjoy the sun. 

'If previous heatwaves in the UK are anything to go by, businesses should be preparing themselves for a whirlwind of HR chaos, from employees calling in sick to enjoy the sun to a flood of last-minute holiday requests,' he said. 

The daily average of annual leave requests swelled by 139 per cent and sickness absences increased by 123 per cent during a heatwave in June 2022, he said. 

However, according to Andrew Hunter, co-founder of job search engine Adzuna, the employers should offer more flexibility to staff as the extreme heat increases the risk of well-being and productivity.

'Such as work-from-home arrangements or adjusted start times, to beat the heat and help their team maintain peak performance,' he said.