Shocking scenes as Cavalry Guard faints flat on his face in London due to UK heatwave

Some shocking scenes unfolded in London today (24 June), as a Cavalry Guard fainted in public.

In case you hadn't realised or felt it (somehow), the UK is in the midst of its summer heatwave, with a yellow heat health alert being issued by the UK Health Security Agency and Met Office for most of the country - with temperatures in some places hitting 31°C already this week.

The warning came into play this morning (24 June) and is expected to last until at least Thursday (27 June), with 'plenty of dry weather and sunny spells' expected across the country.

However, with the spike in temperature, it puts several people at risk, raising health concerns as the chances of heat stroke have also increased.

The NHS have also given a number of ways that people can combat the heat with several cooling methods, while some will also be dealing with the headaches caused by hay fever with the recent 'pollen bomb' that has coincided with the heatwave.

The temperature is set to keep rising though, with it set to potentially peak on Thursday in some areas at a scorching 31°C.

But for some, the mid-20s reached is already more than enough as a Cavalry guard is thought to have passed out in the middle of a procession rehearsal in preparation for a state visit of the Emperor and Empress of Japan while in the Mall in London.

He was said to have fainted because of the heat. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Photos of the incident show the guard lying flat on the ground, face first, surrounded by onlooking members of the public before a fellow guard helped him get up.

He was able to walk after being helped by his colleague.

It's not great news if a member of the military is struggling with the heat, as thousands of people are gearing up for the annual Glastonbury Music Festival at the end of the month.

According to the Met Office, Glastonbury attendees should expect 'mostly warm, dry and settled' weather.

The temperature on Wednesday (26 June) is expected to hit 25°C to 27°C before averaging 20°C to 22°C on Friday through Sunday.

He appeared to look okay when he got up. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Despite this though, the Somerset Council sent a warning out to festival-goers: "Attendees are reminded to stay safe during periods of hot weather, especially when walking around the festival." they said as per The Daily Mail.

"Remember to carry a refillable water bottle with you and drink it throughout the day, wear sun cream and a sunhat and avoid excess alcohol."

They were also advised to 'seek shade between 11am and 3pm'.

Last year saw the hottest June ever in the UK, with the average temperature of 15.8°C being almost an entire degree hotter than previous highs recorded.

The hottest ever day in the country was just two years ago, when on 19 July 2022, Coningsby, Lincolnshire hit a desert-like 40.3°C.