A SOLAR-POWERED ice cream boat has arrived in York - just in time as the city experiences its hottest weather in two years.

Meanwhile, Steve Blakeman has claimed that his ice cream boat, which has berthed on the River Ouse near Lendal Bridge, was the only one of its kind in the world, with solar panels on the roof, along with flowers and a life -sized model of a Friesian cow.

York Press:

 

>>> FLASHBACK: Steve previously set up a floating ice-cream van, by combining an old van body with a boat base.

Health bosses have warned that the elderly and seriously ill are at risk after temperatures soared today to 82 Fahrenheit, or 28 Centigrade, slightly higher than the 27.8 C recorded on July 26 last year.

Similarly hot weather is expected on Wednesday before slightly cooler weather on Thursday. There is potential on Wednesday evening for isolated but heavy, and possibly severe, thunderstorms in parts of Northern England, forecasters say.

They say some torrential downpours are possible, which could lead to localised surface water flooding, with hail and frequent lightning also possible.

York Press:

Sunbathers in Museum Gardens on Tuesday

More sunny weather, with temperatures down to a still warm 24 Centigrade, is expected on Thursday and Friday before more heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected to move in later on Friday and into Saturday.

Dr Mark Hayes, of NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group, said that while he wanted everyone to enjoy the weather, extra care should be taken by the very young, the elderly and the seriously ill.

“In particular, the heat can make heart and breathing problems worse and cause symptoms such as dehydration, overheating, heat exhaustion and sun stroke.”

York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said that often during spells of good weather, there were often higher than average attendances at its Emergency Departments, with many patients presenting with signs of heat-related conditions including heat exhaustion and dehydration.

"Please remember to keep hydrated, drink lots of clear fluid (not alcohol) and to wear high factor sunscreen and a hat," said a spokeswoman. "Small children and babies should be kept out of the sun wherever possible."

The Royal Life Saving Society UK has also issued a warning about the dangers of cooling off in unlifeguarded open water unsuitable for swimming, and stick to sites designated for swimmers.