London, June 22 (PA Media/dpa/GNA) – Extreme heat expected in the United Kingdom this week, has sparked concerns over impacts on health, schools and transport, as a rare red heat health alert is issued.
The Met Office said on Monday that this week’s heatwave, will see temperatures exceed 37 degrees Celsius in the shade, and could even see them rise to 38-40 degrees Celsius in some parts of England and Wales, as human-driven climate change intensifies the impact of a “heat-dome” settling over western Europe.
The hot conditions, which have been very rare in the UK until now, will be accompanied by high humidity, and very warm and humid nights which will make it hard for people to recover overnight, the forecasters added. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued the red health warning for six regions of England – the West Midlands, East Midlands, South East, South West, London, and east of England – from 1 am on Wednesday (0000 GMT Tuesday night) until 11 pm on Thursday.
This alert indicates “a risk to life for even the healthy population” as well as impacts beyond health and social care, with potential effects on transport systems, food, water, energy supplies and businesses. It is the second red heat health warning to be issued, after the first in July 2022 when temperatures soared above 40 degrees Celsius in the UK for the first time.
A separate amber health alert has also been put in place for the North West, North East, and Yorkshire and the Humber for the same period, the agency said, meaning the impact is expected to be felt across the whole of the health service in these areas.
Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: “Very hot weather is forecast across large parts of England in the coming days and we are urging health and social care services across the country to ensure they are prepared.” “It is vitally important that people understand the risk posed by high temperatures like these, and take steps to keep themselves and their friends, families and neighbours safe.” “Simple actions like staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day, and keeping your home cool can make a big difference.” “It’s also important to look out for others, especially elderly relatives, neighbours, and those with underlying health conditions, to make sure they are aware of the forecast and following the necessary advice.”
It follows the Met Office issuing a red weather warning, covering an area stretching from London to Swansea and Somerset to Birmingham from 9 am on Wednesday and 9 pm on Thursday. It warns that “substantial changes” in working practices and daily routines will be required.
There is also a high risk of failure of heat-sensitive systems and equipment, with the loss of power and other essential services, such as water, electricity, gas or mobile phone services. Significantly more people will likely visit coastal areas, lakes and rivers, leading to an increased risk of water safety incidents, the Met Office said.
An amber weather warning is also in place for a larger area of England and Wales between Monday and Thursday. Will Lang, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “We are forecasting extreme temperatures in the next few days, particularly on Wednesday and Thursday, when it looks like we’ll be seeing maximum temperatures into the high 30s.” “But also we are stressing very high overnight temperatures which will be very uncomfortable for vulnerable groups, and very humid conditions as well.”
He told the Press Association the conditions would far exceed the heat seen in June in the past, and was on “a much bigger scale” than the heatwave the UK experienced recently at the end of May. The Met Office said people can also expect travel disruptions, including delays on roads and road closures as well as delays and cancellations to rail and air travel.
GNA