A yellow heat health alert has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Met Office – while more than 200,000 drivers are expected to travel for the event today.
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The health notice came into force yesterday and will remain in place until Thursday, as forecasters warn of a likely “increase in mortality across the population”.
Heat alerts will be in force for every region of England except the north east, which is covered by a green alert.
OAPs and people with health conditions are most at risk, but young people could also suffer in the heat.
Today, temperatures are set to climb steadily into the afternoon, with highs of 31C expected in the south east.
The mercury could rise to anywhere between 28C to 31C from mid Wales to the south east coast.
Meanwhile Scotland and Northern Ireland are forecast to reach temperatures around 21C or 22C with the help of sunshine.
Glastonbury fans look forward to “mostly warm, dry and settled” weather, although some showers are expected on Thursday.
Met Meteorologist Aidan McGivern said: “A midweek peak in the heat but then temperatures closer to average from Thursday onwards.
“Much more agreeable temperatures, and although there will be a few spots of rain on Thursday afternoon as that cold front goes through, Friday, Saturday, Sunday we’re back to sunny spells, light winds and highs of 21C.”
Meanwhile, motorists headed to the event have been warned to ignore their sat-navs and follow official signs to Glastonbury Festival to prevent further gridlocked roads.
Glastonbury 2024 line-up
Pyramid Stage
- Dua Lipa
- Coldplay
- SZA
- Shania Twain
- LCD Soundsystem
- Little Simz
- Burna Boy
- PJ Harvey
- Cyndi Lauper
- Michael Kiwanuka
- Janelle Monáe
- Seventeen
- Paul Heaton
- Keane
- Paloma Faith
- Olivia Dean
- Ayra Starr
Other Stage
- Idles
- Disclosure
- The National
- D-Block Europe
- The Streets
- Two Door Cinema Club
- Anne-Marie
- Camila Cabello
- Avril Lavigne
- Bombay Bicycle Club
- Bloc Party
- The Last Dinner Party
- Nothing But Thieves
- Confidence Man
- Headie One
West Holts
- Jungle
- Jessie Ware
- Justice
- Heilung
- Masego
- Nia Archives
- Danny Brown
- Black Pumas
- Brittany Howard
- Sugababes
- Nitin Sawhney
- Jordan Rakei
- Asha Puthli
- Noname
- Corinne Bailey Rae
- Steel Pulse
- Squid
- Sofia Kourtesis
Woodsies
- Jamie xx
- Gossip
- James Blake
- Sampha
- Sleaford Mods
- Romy
- Declan McKenna
- Yard Act
- Arlo Parks
- Alvvays
- Fat White Family
- Blondshell
- Kenya Grace
- Soccer Mommy
- Remi Wolf
- Mannequin Pussy
- Newdad
- High Vis
- Kneecap
The Park
- Fontaines DC
- Peggy Gou
- London Grammar
- King Krule
- Orbital
- Ghetts
- Aurora
- The Breeders
- Mount Kimbie
- Dexys
- Lankum
- Baxter Dury
- This Is the Kit
- Arooj Aftab
- Mdou Moctar
- The Mary Wallopers
- Otoboke Beaver
- Barry Can’t Swim
- Bar Italia
A spokesperson for RAC Breakdown said: “It’s far better to follow the official directional signs to get to the right car park.
“You don’t want to end up at the wrong entrance – this creates more delays for everyone and is a sure-fire way of arriving at anything but the ‘Speed of Sound’.”
Major roads including the M5 and A303 are expected to face heavy delays with the RAC suggesting any routes into the Somerset site will likely see tailbacks.
As temperatures soar to possible highs of 31C today, the RAC urged festivalgoers to have a stock of water in their cars.
They have also been urged to check their vehicles before setting off for the five day festival, from oil and coolant levels to tyre condition.
Glastonbury officials say the worst time to pitch up is between 7am and 2pm on Wednesday 26.
Further delays are also predicted when the main stage opens on Friday 28.
But drivers who attempt to arrive early will be turned away and forced to wait in the car park, the festival warned.
Traffic congestion is to be factored into travel plans on Sunday, June 30 and Monday, July 1 as music fans head home.
Glastonbury weather forecast
Met Meteorologist Aidan McGivern said: “A brief hot spell, peaking around the middle of the week as southerly winds arrive and then during Thursday and Friday, westerlies take over, bringing temperatures closer to average.
“Low pressure staying far enough to the north to avoid widespread unsettled weather – although blustery showers will affect northern parts of the country.
“Then into the weekend, we’ve still got this influence of high pressure from the south west and that’s going to keep things mostly fine across much of the UK, although it will still stay changeable in the far north and northwest with further showers at times.
“With that high pressure nearby, things are looking very nice for Glastonbury.
“A midweek peak in the heat but then temperatures closer to average from Thursday onwards.
“Much more agreeable temps, and although there will be a few spots of rain on Thursday afternoon as that cold front goes through, Friday, Saturday, Sunday we’re back to sunny spells, light winds and highs of 21C.”
Festival and beachgoers across the UK have been warned of the rising temperatures today.
Dr Luke Powles, associate clinical director at Bupa Health Clinics, said it was important to know the symptoms of heat exhaustion, which include “a throbbing headache, dizziness, confusion, cramping and nausea” and heatstroke, which is much more serious.
“The symptoms of heatstroke include not sweating even while feeling too hot, a high temperature of 40C or above, fast breathing or shortness of breath, feeling confused, loss of consciousness and being unresponsive,” he added.
“Heatstroke is very serious and should be treated as an emergency.”
Dr Powles recommended drinking 1.5 to two litres of fluid a day, which works out between eight to 10 glasses.
It comes as thousands flocked to beaches across the UK yesterday to soak up the sunshine.
Beachgoers have been urged to wear high factor sun cream and stay hydrated today.
And Rob Martin, managing director of care services at Anchor, said the later living charity was urging “the wider community to keep a close eye on older neighbours and their older relatives who may live alone and are more vulnerable in the heat.”
“We recommend older people stay hydrated and keep out of the sunlight as much as possible,” he added.
“In these temperatures, it’s important to avoid caffeinated drinks as they are dehydrating. Drink plenty of cold fluids like water and fruit juices. We recommend taking regular sips of hydrating drinks throughout the day.”
Pets owners have also been urged to watch out for their animals.
In particular, dogs taken out on long walks in the heat, or left unattended in warm cars.
It comes after the mercury reached 28.3C in Wisley, Surrey, on Monday while London saw a peak of 27.4C at St James’s Park.
Figures rose to 26.9C in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and 25C in Northern Ireland at the start of the week.
Looking ahead, Brits in the south east of England could experience 32C heat on Thursday.
Met Meteorologist Aidan McGivern said: “On Thursday there’s some question marks about how hot it will get in the east of England.
“Anywhere between 28C and 32C depending on how quickly cooler air returns towards the west, associated with a front that brings some spells of showers.
“And it will certainly cool down towards the north west as the breeze picks up and frequent showers arrive.”
But, there will likely be outbreaks of rain forecast across the country and possibly some thundery conditions for some.
Met Office’s top hot weather tips
THE top ways to stay safe when the heat arrives, according to the Met Office.
- Look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated such as the elderly with underlying conditions or live alone.
- If you live alone, ask a relative or friend to phone to check that you are not having difficulties during periods of extreme heat.
- Stay cool indoors – Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
- If going outdoors, use cool spaces considerately.
- Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol.
- Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.
- Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest.
- Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat.
- Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day.
- Make sure you take water with you, if you are travelling.
- Check the latest weather forecast and temperature warnings – you can find these on TV, radio, mobile app or website.
- During warm weather going for a swim can provide much welcomed relief. If you are going into open water to cool down, take care and follow local safety advice.
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