UK weather: Public told to avoid packed beaches as UK enjoys hottest August day for 17 years

The UK has enjoyed its hottest August day in 17 years, with Britons told to avoid some beaches along the southern coast that were packed with sunseekers. The Coastguard said 70 callouts had been made across the UK by midday and urged the public to stay safe as crowds gathered on beaches in the likes of Bournemouth, Margate and Brighton despite coronavirus concerns. The Met Office issued a heat-health warning as temperatures reached 36.4C (97.52F) at Heathrow and Kew Gardens - making it the hottest August day since 2003.