Brits are being warned that they should steer clear of booze during this week's record-breaking heatwave.
Although many of us will be tempted to reach for the nearest beer or Aperol spritz, experts are warning that a refreshing alcoholic drink could actually make you feel much worse.
Drinkaware is urging people to proceed with caution, as drinking alcohol can lead to severe dehydration - something that can be very dangerous in weather like this, The Manc reports.
In case it's somehow passed you by, the Met Office has officially issued a Red weather warning for extreme heat in the east of England, the Midlands, and parts of the North West for today and tomorrow in what is the first time in UK history - with temperatures forecast to reach record highs of 40°C in some areas.
An amber warning for heat is also in place across the rest of England, Wales, and some parts of southern Scotland.
When the warm weather hits, most of us will naturally reach for a drink to cool down and are generally aware of doctors' advice us to keep as hydrated as possible, but what we choose to drink is more important than you may initially think.
Avoid booze while the heatwave is here, Drinkaware has advised. Credit: Unsplash
Alcohol is classed as being a diuretic, which basically means it makes us wee more, and of course, when you wee more, you become more dehydrated - hence why experts over at alcohol advice platform Drinkaware are warning against people drinking to excess over the next couple of days.
"Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it encourages the kidneys to lose extra fluid," Drinkaware's website reads.
"That is why you tend to go the toilet to urinate much more when you drink alcohol.
"Alcohol also makes you sweat more [and] the combination of sweating more in the heat, and going to the toilet more, means you lose more fluid than you take in and can become dehydrated unless you replace that lost fluid by drinking water."
The Met Office is calling the forecasted temperates over these next two days as "absolutely unprecedented", and is urging people to treat the warning it is issuing "as seriously as you would a red or amber warning from us for wind or snow".
The national weather service is urging people to "follow the advice".
"Stay out of the sun, keep your home cool, think about adjusting your plans for the warning period," the Met Office says.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also published a number of resources outlining the risks of the expected heat and actions you can take to protect yourself and others over the next couple of days - which includes a 'Beat the Heat: Keep cool at home checklist', and is available on the Heatwave plan for England page.
A planning application has been submitted for a ‘container village’ attraction at Leeds Kirkgate Market.
It was submitted today, Friday 27 March, by STACK Leisure - a company that already runs popular food, drink and entertainment hubs in Lincoln, Middlesbrough, Newcastle and Sunderland.
The proposed STACK Leeds venue would be a two-storey structure made up of repurposed shipping containers, located in Leeds Kirkgate Market’s outdoor trading area.
It would feature six bars, eight street food outlets, a coffee shop, a large stage for live entertainment and giant digital screens.
The development is expected to increase footfall and broaden the customer base across the market and would also benefit the wider city centre and its existing hospitality businesses.
Neill Winch, chief executive of STACK Leisure, said: “We know from our previous experience that once STACK opens it brings huge economic benefits to the wider area.
“It will turn a spotlight on the Leeds Kirkgate Market area and bring in greatly increased footfall, not just to STACK Leeds but to both the indoor and outdoor market. One of the many reasons we are successful is because we offer something for everyone – we are family friendly, pet friendly and our entertainment programme is designed to have widespread appeal.
“It is important for us to become part of the local community and celebrate it, while supporting independent businesses at the same time. We firmly believe that STACK Leeds will be a huge asset to the city and we look forward to moving on with the scheme.”
Kikgate Market’s outdoor trading area currently has room for a total of 185 stalls, with around 85 of those being filled.
Should STACK Leeds secure planning approval, the number of pitches would be reduced and the freed-up space used as the location for the scheme.
Leeds Festival announces second wave of artists including Skepta b2b set
Thomas Melia
One of West Yorkshire's biggest live music events , Leeds Festival, has announced its second wave of artists including a Skepta DJ set.
Back in December, Leeds Festival announced some impressive acts would be headlining like Fontaines D.C., Florence and the Machine, Charli xcx, Raye, Dave, and Chase & Status.
Leeds Festival 2026 also marks the first time this live music extended-weekender will have a Thursday night headliner courtesy of rock band Kasabian.
Alongside the stellar headliners, this year's line-up also sees Skepta, Sombr, Skye Newman, Role Model, Kneecap and more major acts performing next August.
Leeds Festival 2026 announces second wave of artists with over 60 new names / Credit: The Hoot Leeds
Now, Leeds Festival has dropped its second wave of artists with over 60 names that are just as hard-hitting and extraordinary as the previously mentioned music moguls.
Headliner RAYE is making her Leeds Festival headline slot a family affair by bringing along her amazing sisters along for the ride too as Amma and Absolutely are now playing sets.
Violet Grohl, the eldest daughter of Foo Fighters' frontman Dave Grohl, is making her first ever festival appearance and bringing her alternative-indie sound to Leeds.
Skepta announced for a b2b set and Violet Grohl makes festival performance debut / Credit: @henrygoodfell0w / Press Shot via supplied
Get ready for Cruz Beckham and The Breakers to step out for a set like no other too, as they prepare a performance all 'for your love' and attention.
There's even a brand-new stage titled The Warehouse which will act as the home for all things dance music, with exclusive b2b sets, DJ performances and a club-like experience.
The acts taking to this stage include Skepta b2b with East End Dubs, Omar +, Bou, Hedex, Rossi, Mall Grab and lots more.
More artists ready to wow the Bramham Park crowd include Arthur Hill, The Lathums, Duke Dumont, Slayyyter, The K's, Paris Paloma, Holly Humberstone and more.
Leeds Festival is taking place from 27 August to 30 August at Bramham Park and to find a full line-up HERE.
If you're after getting your hands on tickets for one of West Yorkshire's biggest festivals when it returns this August, you can do so HERE.