We're in for some seriously hot weather in Gnosall, with temperatures expected to climb into the mid-30s on Wednesday and Thursday.
While that's great news for paddling pools (if we're allowed to fill them) and ice creams, there's one easily overlooked summer hazard: playground equipment can get surprisingly hot in direct sunshine.
If you're heading to one of Gnosall's play areas with the little ones, give slides, swings and other equipment a quick check before they jump aboard.
When the playground gets hotter than the weather
On a sunny day, playground equipment can become much hotter than the surrounding air, sometimes hot enough to cause a painful contact burn.
And it isn't just metal slides.
Plastic slides, dark swing seats, climbing frames, zipwire seats and handles, and even the rubber safety surface beneath play equipment can absorb a lot of heat after sitting in strong sunshine.
Younger children are particularly vulnerable because they may not realise something is dangerously hot until they've already touched or sat on it.
The five-second playground check
There's no need to avoid Gnosall's playgrounds altogether. Just take a few seconds before play begins.
Give the slide, swing seat, handrails and other surfaces a quick touch with your hand. If it's uncomfortable for you to touch, it's best to steer little hands and legs elsewhere.
Don't forget the ground, either. Dark rubber safety surfaces can become remarkably hot in direct sunshine, particularly during the hottest part of the afternoon.
If possible, enjoy the playground earlier in the morning or later in the day, find some shade and keep plenty of water handy.
And if the playground is simply too hot?
Well, there's always the time-honoured Gnosall summer alternative: find some shade and have an ice cream. ??
Stay cool, Gnosall!
