It's hotting up! Heatwave warning as temperatures soar across Midlands

We might not have the golden, sandy beaches or soothing ocean waves that Greece boasts, but we will have the same scorching temperatures of up to 25 degrees.

While people are urged to rememberer to stay safe in the sun, the balmy weather is still the perfect excuse to get outdoors and soak up some Vitamin D.

Find out what's on this week

There are a host of open-air events coming up across the West Midlands, where both locals and visitors can enjoy the bright weather.

England will face Belgium this Thursday in its final group game of the World Cup, determining their rank in the competition’s top 16.

Pubs and bars across the region will be splashing the evening game across their big screens, with some considering putting up a television in their gardens and courtyards.

Dudley Classic Car show is rolling into Dudley town centre on Saturday, with vehicles of all types on display all through the day.

Enthusiasts can ask detailed questions to the owners on the day, but the event is also suitable for all the family.

But if you fancy keeping children out of the sun, Wolverhampton’s popular Infl8 zone is hosting a ‘cool relief’ session on Saturday and Sunday, with a chilled WICS arena in Racecourse Road full of the best inflatable fun.

And head along to Drayton Manor Zoo in Staffordshire, where the animals are just as hot as we are.

The keepers have whipped up some tasty ice pops for the animals, in a bid to keep them cool - and the park’s ring-tailed lemurs were snapped enjoying a lolly as temperatures rose across the weekend.

Chris Mitchell, head of Zoo Operations, said: “With the warm weather that we are currently experiencing, we look for fun ideas that will not only cool our zoo residents down, but also provide animal enrichment that will intrigue and excite them.”

Weather forecast for the week ahead

Temperatures could soar to a sizzling 25 degrees across the Black Country and Staffordshire this week.

But those jumping to enjoy the warm weather have been warned to stay safe under the hot sun.

The Met Office predicts it will be dry, hot and sunny across all of today, and it could only get hotter as the week goes on.

Meteorologists have issued a warning over ‘very high’ UV levels and have urged people to spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm.

They also said ‘shirt, sunscreen and hat essential.”

WATCH the weather forecast:

West Midlands Ambulance Service has warned people to stay alert and make sure to check on anyone who may be vulnerable, including those aged over 75, babies and young children, physically active people, people with a serious chronic condition, and people with mobility problems or serious mental health issues.

The service shared a message on social media saying: “It’s warming up out there and we want everyone to enjoy the nice weather, including our staff, but we also want people to do it safely! Some simple self care steps can help ensure you ‘beat the heat’ and avoid falling victim to the heatwave.”

Tips include avoiding the heat between 11am and 3pm - the hottest part of the day - having cool baths or showers, drinking cold drinks regularly, and shutting windows and pulling down the shades when it is hot outside, before opening them again when it is cooler later.

Wolverhampton council also sent a message out, and said: “It’s going to be hot this week; enjoy the weather but please stay safe! Drink lots of water, wear UV sunglasses, apply sunscreen of factor 15 or higher and please look out for others, particularly elderly or young. Keep an eye on the forecast.”

And West Midlands Fire Service also shared their tips for keeping safe during high temperatures, by avoiding unnecessary fires. They said: “Keep mirrors, bottles away from windows, don’t go for dips in open water, don’t put cigarettes out on dry grass.”

Jokingly, the service also added ‘give ice creams to firefighters’ as its final ‘tip’.