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Britain Sizzles as Near-Record Heatwave Peaks

by Associated Press

   LONDON --

   Britain is bracing for possible record-breaking heat, as lawmakers warn
   that hot weather-related deaths could spike in the future if
   authorities don't act to prepare for more regular heatwaves.
   Weather-watchers at the Met Office said temperatures could peak Friday
   to smash an all-time July record of 36.7 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees
   Fahrenheit). It predicts top temperatures of up to 35C for Thursday.
   A Parliamentary environment committee warned Thursday that heat-related
   deaths could treble and rise to 7,000 a year by 2050 unless the
   government plans ahead with strategies to protect people, especially
   the elderly.
   The unusual heat is also causing problems on roads. The RAC, which
   offers roadside assistance, reported a 15 percent rise in the number of
   vehicle breakdowns compared to usual figures.