An expert has shared a warning for festival-goers as tens of thousands of revelers descend on Glastonbury during a scorching heatwave.
As the world-famous festival begins, more than 200,000 revelers headed to Pilton in Somerset today to score a prime camping spot.
This year’s event will feature headline performances from global stars such as pop singer Dua Lipa, British rock band Coldplay and American soul singer Sza, while Canadian country star Shania Twain will occupy the coveted legends slot.
Campers arriving at the 900-acre site can expect “mostly warm, dry and stable” weather over the next five days, but scattered showers could begin from the first day and last until the end of the weekend, according to the Met Office .
However, with temperatures set to reach 31 degrees in some parts of the UK today, revelers are being warned to stay safe at the festival site, which is known for its lack of shelter during extreme weather.
An expert has shared a warning for festival-goers as tens of thousands of revelers descend on Glastonbury during a scorching heatwave.
As the world-famous festival begins, more than 200,000 revelers headed to Pilton in Somerset today to secure a prime camping location.
Yesterday, the highest temperature on record occurred at Herstmonceux, near Eastbourne in East Sussex, where temperatures provisionally reached 29.4°C, the hottest weather recorded in the UK so far this year.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow health alerts across most of England, while NHS leaders have said the service expects “major disruption”.
Jim Dale, founder of British Weather Services and co-author of Surviving Extreme Weather, has issued advice for festival-goers who may be at risk of prolonged sun exposure over the next two days.
Speaking to FEMAIL, the weather consultant said: ‘Glastonbury is known for its lack of shelter. It is outdoors and you are exposed to direct sun.
‘Huge precautions need to be taken for those attending Glastonbury and other venues. Stay out of the midday sun and stay hydrated.
The expert recommends revelers carry water at all times, but also suggests that hydro drinks, which contain magnesium, serve as an additional hydrating drink.
He added: “It is important to bring wide-brimmed hats, sunscreen and sunglasses to stop the sun’s glare, but it is advisable to keep your arms and legs covered and choose to wear non-sticky clothing made of linen, cotton or silk.” .
Sharing a number of tips for festival-goers to keep cool, Dale reveals that a cooler can be used for much more than storing alcohol and food.
Jim Dale, founder of British Weather Services and co-author of Surviving Extreme Weather, has issued advice for festival-goers who may be at risk from prolonged sun exposure at Glastonbury.
Speaking to FEMAIL, the weather consultant said: ‘Glastonbury is known for its lack of shelter. It is outdoors and you are exposed to direct sun.
The expert states: “It is important to wear wide-brimmed hats, sunscreen and sunglasses to stop the sun’s glare, but it is advisable to keep your arms and legs covered and choose to wear non-sticky linen, cotton or silk clothing.” .
He said: ‘If you have a picnic bag or cooler bag, keep some flannels in there and drape them over your neck or face to prevent overheating. It is also useful to take breaks from the sun in tents, or even in bathrooms, for ten minutes.’
If revelers start to feel overwhelmingly hot, Dale says, “It’s common to feel nauseous, tired, or have a headache when you suffer from heat stroke, so keep an eye out for excessive sweating, as it’s usually followed by these symptoms.”
‘If you begin to sweat excessively or feel hot, get out of the sun immediately and go to a first aid station.’
The expert added: “As the days go by it will become cooler and, when Friday comes, it will stop boiling.” But even if it’s 21 degrees, the sun is still a threat this time of year. Use your common sense and stay out of the sun whenever you can.
It comes as a cavalry guard is believed to have fainted in London’s shopping center during rehearsals on Monday amid the arrival of the year’s first heatwave.
