Fans to cool down sweltering Wimbledon spectators have sold out as the UK bakes in a third heatwave in as many months. Electric and traditional handheld fans are no longer in stock at the four shops in the All England Club.
The Wimbledon-branded fans have been a hit with tennis enthusiasts attending the championships, with many in the crowds seen using the products to cool off while watching the action. It is understood the £16 hand fans sold out on Sunday, followed by the £20 electric fans on Monday. Both are listed as out of stock online. It coincides with a rise in temperatures in SW19, with the mercury potentially hitting 34C on Thursday.
Many could be seen sheltering from the 32C heat in shady spots and under umbrellas on Wednesday, with the All England Club encouraging guests to stay hydrated and keep safe under the sun.
The hottest temperature at Wimbledon during the championships is 35.7C, recorded in July 2015.
Wimbledon has made a number of changes to help spectators deal with rising summer temperatures.
Organisers created more shady areas ahead of the start of the tournament, while thousands in the famous queue are receiving free suncream. Suncream has also been flying off the shelves at Wimbledon’s onsite pharmacy as spectators look to protect themselves from the blazing heat.
The current stock was supposed to last until the end of the championships on Sunday, but more could now be delivered due to the increased demand.
Wimbledon sources insist there is a plentiful supply and a spokesperson for La Roche-Posay — the suncare supplier for the championships — said: “In the high temperatures our products have proved extremely popular, showing that spectators are taking their sun safety seriously.
“As part of our partnership with Wimbledon we have worked to increase the volumes through the onsite pharmacy reflecting the high demand.”
Plasters for blisters, antihistamines, painkillers and electrolytes which help with hydration are also popular purchases.
An amber heat health alert from the UK Health Security Agency is in place for London and other areas until 9pm on Sunday.
Wimbledon’s iconic military stewards are also handing out free suncream and extra water to attendees.
Personnel previously warned sunstroke is the biggest risk to spectators.
Heat-related illnesses are understood to be below the levels seen last year.
The All England Club was approached for comment.