Don't forget your sun cream - we're in for an absolute scorcher! Teesside and North Yorkshire roasted as temperatures soared yesterday - and the heatwave is here to stay. The Met Office say tomorrow is likely to be the hottest day - and could set a new British record. The highest temperature ever recorded was 37.1C (98.8F) in Cheltenham on August 3, 1990. The Tees region escaped widespread travel chaos which hit commuters in other parts of the country. Rail bosses imposed speed restrictions amid fears that tracks could buckle in the searing heat. But only a few metres of track at Urlay Nook, which serves Teesside Airport, were subject to a 20mph speed limit and caused just one-minute delays. Commuters travelling between Newcastle and London Kings Cross station on GNER services today were warned to expect 15-minute delays because of restrictions between London and Peterborough. Two freight lines in the region were also slightly affected at Redcar Ore Terminal and at Stillington Branch near Ferryhill. A Network Rail spokeswoman said: "The North-east got off quite lightly compared with other parts of the country." Forecasters predict high temperatures on Teesside despite slightly overcast conditions leading to the weekend. Temperatures today and tomorrow are expected to hit 28C but they will drop to 26C on Thursday then 25C over the weekend. 
Scorching weather yesterday had Teessiders heading in their droves to the nearest beach, park or beer garden. Britain has already seen the third warmest June and July for the last 100 years. And PA WeatherCentre forecaster Elizabeth Anett said: "It's going to be incredibly hot." Local beaches were awash with a human tide as sun-seekers soaked up the rays. Paul Castle, foreshore manager for Redcar and Cleveland Council, said both Redcar and Saltburn beaches were bustling with sun-seekers yesterday. "The forecast means we are going to be even busier," he said. "We have a fantastic coastline and I think we should make the most of it." A coastguard spokeswoman reported no major problems but advised people to take care while enjoying themselves. "We would ask everyone to be vigilant and watch out for the tides," she said. A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: "People are enjoying the weather and good on them." But she added a note of caution to those who might let the heat - and alcohol - go to their heads by cooling off in rivers and by wading out too far in coastal waters. "Beer and water don't mix that well," she said. "Enjoy the weather but don't put yourself and other people in danger." Shops are doing a brisk trade in paddling pools, barbecues, bottled water and electric fans. At Big W on Stockton's Portrack Lane, operations manager Andrea Hall said: "It's been fantastic. We have nearly sold out of paddling pools." At Argos in Middlesbrough, sales support team leader Dawn Grimes said: "Most of the fans and garden items have sold out." Meanwhile, the RSPCA has advised Teesside pet owners to take the necessary steps to protect their animals during the hot weather. Acting chief veterinary officer Steve Cheetham said: "A dog left in a warm car, conservatory, greenhouse, caravan or shed will quickly begin to suffer from heatstroke and can die an agonising death. "On a warm day these places can resemble an oven and each year dogs left alone like this die after literally being cooked alive." And animal welfare groups urged farmers not to send their livestock to market or transport them by truck today because of the searingly hot weather. Scorching temperatures mean the animals could face immense suffering through overcrowding in market pens or spend hours crammed in a vehicle. In the worst cases, animals may even die, Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) warned. Peter Stevenson, legal director of CIWF, said: "It is bad enough in ordinary weather but in this blistering heat it is unbearable for the animals." Kate Gibbs, from the Road Haulage Association, said journeys were carried out only if "absolutely necessary" in hot weather, but added that demand was dictated by the market. She said: "In this country, whenever possible animals are carried when it is cooler." David Brown, general secretary of the Livestock Auctioneers Association, said the market was slow at this time of year, leaving plenty of space for animals. He said: "The truth of the matter is it is the quietest week in the livestock market year. The first week of August is always quiet so there is plenty of room." And, if it wasn't hot enough, British Gas today urged householders to do the unthinkable this week - and turn on their central heating. Allowing heating systems to remain idle during the summer could lead to breakdowns when the weather eventually started to turn cold, the company said. British Gas spokesman Alan McLaughlin said: "It may seem mad but the hottest day of the year is the best time to remind people to check their central heating." | 
