TEMPERATURES across Reading will rocket to nearly 30°C today, hotter than in Barcelona and Khartoum.

Health chiefs are warning people to stay safe and avoid the worst of the sun during the week-long heatwave.

The scorching weather is set to last until Friday, leading West Berkshire Council to warn residents on how to manage the weather.

The council has warned that UV levels in the UK are currently at record highs, matching those in Cyprus and Gibraltar.

The tips from the council are as follows: Stay hydrated – drink plenty of water, NOT tea, coffee and alcohol.

Try to stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day – around 11am to 3pm.

Use sun cream with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 and UVA protection.

Wear UV sunglasses to protect eyes.

Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes and a hat.

Plan journeys and commutes – take plenty of water with you and consider delaying longer journeys.

During the day keep windows closed and curtains drawn to keep your home cool.

At night open windows to help cool your home but for children, make sure there are safety catches on windows and be vigilant of children at all times.

Be sure to check on older or vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours.

Councillor James Fredrickson, West Berkshire Council's Executive Member for public health and wellbeing, said: "We’re reminding people about the quick, easy and inexpensive ways to stay healthy in the heat.

"These techniques can easily be built into your day and will ensure that regardless of whether you prefer the sun or the shade you’ll be able to cope with the heat."

Are you making the most of the heatwave or trying to stay out the sun? Let us know what you're up to at news@readingchronicle.co.uk