Record breaking temperatures have been seen across the UK today, making it the hottest first of May since 1990.
Sheffield has seen highs of 27 degrees today, which isn’t officially classified as a heatwave, but residents have still flocked to parks and lakes to make the most of the sun.
Jamie Morgan, 21, student at the University of Sheffield said: “I definitely can’t remember it being this warm this early on. I won’t be going in that water though!”
Morgan, like many others, was with friends at Crookes Valley Park, where there were people seen swimming in the lake, despite ‘no swimming’ signs posted around the park.
Crookes Valley Park has long been a home for open-water swimmers, and with the weather today, it’s set to continue to do so.
The Met Office and RNLI have warned those who fancy a swim to take extra precautions despite the heat.
Gareth Morrison, Head of Water Safety for the RNLI said: “With the warm weather forecast this week, we want to remind everyone to stay safe when visiting the coast or lakes. Whilst the air temperature will be high, water temperature remains dangerously cold.”
The Met Office has also reminded to those to be wary of the increase in UV rays and pollen levels. A top tips page has been put together for advice on staying safe in the heat. According to them, there are on average 2000 heat-related deaths a year.
Cooler temperatures are expected as we approach the bank holiday but there will still be plenty of sunshine to be enjoyed.
The Met Office are reiterating to enjoy the weather, but to ‘please take care’.