British Youth Embrace Summer Heat by Bringing Laughing Gas to the Beach on “Bunk Off Friday”

Young British sunseekers have been seen using ‘hippy crack’ at the beach as many head to the seaside to bask in the 34C heatwave on a ‘bunk off Friday’.

In Bournemouth, tourists are bringing canisters of nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, with their beach essentials like towels and sunscreen as they enjoy the coastal area in Dorset.

Possession of laughing gas with the intent of getting high was made illegal in November 2023, with repeat offenders facing up to two years in jail.

Selling nitrous oxide illegally can lead to a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison, as the substance is classified as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

Consequences of possession where a person intends to wrongfully inhale it for a psychoactive effect can include a fine, or prison for repeat serious offenders.

It comes as the UK continues to bake in the heatwave and is expected to break its record for the warmest day of the year so far for the second consecutive day today. 

The mercury hit a 2025 high of 32.2C (90.0F) at Kew in West London yesterday after the Government placed the whole of England under an amber heat-health alert.

And thermometers could soar further today as the first official heatwave of the year continues with 33C (91F) forecast – while tomorrow could rise to 34C (93F).

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued an amber heat-health alert yesterday for the first time since September 2023, which is in force until Monday morning.

The five-day alert which began yesterday warns ‘significant impacts are likely’ across health and social care services because of high temperatures, including a ‘rise in deaths’, particularly among those aged 65 and over or people with health conditions.

In addition, the Met Office has issued a 13-hour thunderstorm warning for the North of England from 3pm tomorrow until 4am Sunday amid concerns over flash flooding. 

National Rail warned passengers that the weather may disrupt trains, given ‘heat can cause overhead lines to expand and sag, lineside fires and also cause rails to buckle’.

Transport for London activated a hot weather plan and urged passengers to ‘look out for each other while travelling’ – while train drivers’ union Aslef said ‘spending your working shift in a small metal box deep underground is rarely a pleasant experience’. 

Music fans arriving at the Isle of Wight Festival enjoyed the sunshine as they explored ways to keep cool, from umbrellas to paddling pools and gazebos to parasols.

Thousands of partygoers have descended on Seaclose Park in Newport for the four-day event being headlined by Sting, Stereophonics and Justin Timberlake.

Meanwhile other Brits struggled to sleep in the heat – with tonight and tomorrow not expected to fall below 20C (68F) in some areas, making it an official ‘tropical night’. 

Temperatures will reach the low 30Cs today and could hit 33C (91F) – with a number of areas expected to have passed the heatwave criteria by this afternoon.

An official heatwave is recorded when areas reach a certain temperature for three days in a row, with thresholds varying from 25C (77F) to 28C (82F) in different areas.

Met Office forecaster Dan Stroud said: ‘We’re expecting the hot and dry conditions to continue. It does turn a little bit hazier in the west during the course of Friday.

‘We’re still expecting temperatures to reach the low 30Cs, 31C, 32C fairly widely, maybe seeing 33C.’

He added that increasing amounts of cloud will move in from the West tomorrow, with a chance of showers, some possibly thundery in North Wales and North West England, while eastern areas will see another dry and hot day.

Temperatures will be in the low 30Cs, and probably be the peak of the hot spell on Saturday, as 34C (93F) is possible.

However this is still below the June record of 35.6C in 1976 in Southampton.

The last time Britain reached 34C (93F) in June was almost six years ago on June 29, 2019 in London.

Before today, the warmest day of the year so far had been reached last Friday when temperatures got up to 29.4C (84.9F) at Santon Downham in Suffolk.

Mr Stroud said Sunday will be another very warm day in the south and east probably in the late 20Cs. Elsewhere it will be cooler, with highs in the mid-20Cs.

Temperatures are set to be in the mid-20Cs by the start of next week.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at the UKHSA, said: ‘Our findings show that heat can result in serious health outcomes across the population, especially for older adults or those with pre-existing health conditions.

‘It is therefore important to check on friends, family and neighbours who are more vulnerable and to take sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.

‘The forecasted high temperatures may also lead to an increasing demand for remote healthcare services and an impact on the ability of services delivered due to heat effects on the workforce.’

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation and pollen levels are also climbing alongside temperatures.

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley warned that parts of the UK are in for ‘tropical nights’ this weekend.

He said: ‘The nights will also be quite warm, with the possibility of temperatures not falling below 20C in some areas, making it hard to sleep. This is what we term a ‘tropical night’.’.

Emma McClarkin, chief executive officer of the British Beer and Pub Association, said sales in some pubs increase almost 20 per cent during hot weather.

She said the current heatwave is a ‘huge boon for Britain’s brewers and pubs’.

But in Bournemouth, the casual taking of hippy crack is at odds with Dorset Police’s public pledge to deliver a ‘Safe Summer’ for local residents and visitors.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan said: “We are dedicated to ensuring that residents and visitors to Dorset feel safe and can enjoy their time here.

“These longer days and warmer weather bring our busiest time of year and teams across the county are ready and working hard to keep you safe.

“Whether enjoying the many beaches, exploring our rural areas or vibrant nightlife, our officers, staff and volunteers are working hard to ensure you can enjoy the summer.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “I want the people of Dorset to have confidence that the force are ready to tackle the extra demand which comes with living in a fantastic county like ours.

“I know how much goes into planning for these busy times and I know that by working together, in partnership with other key organisations, Dorset Police will be working relentlessly to ensure residents and visitors can enjoy all Dorset has to offer, safely and securely.”

It comes after a warning was issued as firefighters have responded to more than 500 wildfires across England and Wales this year so far. 

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) said that as of yesterday, 564 wildfire incidents have been responded to by English and Welsh fire and rescue services so far this year.

This is a 717 per cent increase on the same period in 2024, and more than double the number seen in 2022 which went on to be the worst year on record for wildfires.

The NFCC is now urging caution among members of the public when enjoying the outdoors in a bid to prevent further spikes in incidents.

As the drier weather continues and temperatures rise, there are also concerns that the UK will see more wildfires in areas where homes and businesses border rural areas, the NFCC added.

The public is also being urged to take care when in, on or around water.

Public safety advice issued by the NFCC includes avoiding the use of disposable barbecues in open countryside, parks, and moorland areas and not discarding cigarettes, matches, or glass bottles, as they can ignite dry vegetation.

With drier conditions during this time of year meaning that fires can burn into peat, and can burn for longer, it is likely some fires will take a number of days – rather than hours – to extinguish, causing more damage and placing further pressure on fire and rescue services, the NFCC added.

Across July 18 and 19 in 2022, the hottest days of that year, 84 wildfires were recorded, and 14 fire and rescue services declared major incidents, nine of which were linked to difficulties in responding due to the increase in operational demand, the NFCC said.

Meanwhile, a number of charities have issued warnings about the potential risks of hotter weather.

St John Ambulance urged the public to familiarise themselves with the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and to learn how to respond.

It comes after a survey of 1,002 adults in England revealed more than half do not know the difference between ‘life-threatening’ heatstroke, which requires a 999 call, and heat exhaustion, which can be treated by cooling and hydrating a patient.

The British Heart Foundation is encouraging people with heart conditions to take precautions such as staying cool and keeping hydrated to minimise potential health risks during a heatwave, saying the heat can put extra strain on the heart.

Age UK urged people to check in on older relatives, friends, and neighbours to see if they need anything and to make sure they are not feeling overwhelmed by the excessive heat.

Dementia UK issued advice and tips on how to support a loved one with dementia in the heat, including keeping hydrated; staying cool with appropriate clothing; keeping the person out of the heat; cooling the person down by avoiding hot drinks, alcohol and caffeine; and keeping the home environment cool.

RAC breakdown spokeswoman person Alice Simpson warned drivers should ‘take every precaution’ in the heat.

‘When temperatures soar, vehicle breakdowns usually do the same,’ she said. ‘One of the biggest risks is an increase in cars overheating, especially when sat in queues of traffic with no shade.’

Ms Simpson urged drivers to check their coolant levels and any air conditioning systems that are not working properly, and to take plenty of water and snacks on the road.

People are urged to look after their pets in the heat as well.

British Veterinary Association president Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux said: ‘Each summer, vets see pets suffering from heat-related problems and illnesses, such as heatstroke, breathing problems, burnt paw pads and sunburn, some of which can sadly be fatal.’

She said owners should ensure their animals have access to fresh drinking water, good ventilation and shade, advising dog lovers to avoid taking their pets for walks during the heat of the day and to never leave them inside a car, caravan or conservatory.

Tips from the RSPCA include using pet-safe sun cream; ensuring animals have constant access to shade and fresh drinking water at all times; and keeping fish tanks out of direct sunlight.

Others are using cold treats from the fridge for added moisture or make an ice lolly for dogs from pet-friendly ingredients; freezing dogs’ water bowls; and wrapping an ice pack or frozen water bottle in a tea towel, or use damp towels for pets to lie on.