ACCIDENT and Emergency staff at Wycombe Hospital should prepare to be run off their feet over the coming week as soaring temperatures lead to a whole host of health problems, weather expert Jim Dale warns.

The blistering heat, 30-plus degrees, will see some indoor-based businesses suffer a slump in profits as regulars opt to enjoy the sunshine.

Mr Dale, of British Weather Services in Hazlemere, urged everyone to be vigilant as they seek out ways to keep cool.

He said: "Everyone tends to flock to water and so drownings and water-related accidents tend to rise in a sustained heatwave.

"But not only that. The heat serves to contribute to a noted increase in crime such as road rage and there is a marked increase in the number of murders and suicides in such high temperatures."

He added that eating habits also change with children steering clear of syrup and fizzy type drinks and opting for more fruit and water in a bid to quench their thirst.

According to Mr Dale, May and June have been the hottest consecutive months since 1995 and it looks as if August will boast the same. He added: "We will surely see the highest temperatures in Wycombe during the week."

He pointed to the rise in sea temperature around Britain and tropical air as being behind the surge. But thunderstorms will break up the mugginess and humidity by the weekend.

Mr Dale also revealed that businesses will 'either strike gold or strike coal,' depending on whether they heeded earlier weather warnings.

He said: "Cinemas, theatres are most of an indoor orientation and are likely to suffer, particularly those without air conditioning.

"We do our utmost to assist the business community and try to ensure that they are in the right position to benefit."

A South Bucks NHS Trust spokesman said: "Accident and Emergency was kept quite busy with people suffering from heat-related problems over the weekend, such as dehydration and rashes. None of it was serious and no-one needed admission. We have no plans to call in extra staff as the A & E always expect the unexpected."