The Met Office is urging households across nine Midlands counties, including Birmingham, to prepare for potential power cuts as an amber heat warning takes effect from Monday. The alert covers the West Midlands conurbation, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Herefordshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, and Derbyshire.
Precautionary Measures
In the event of a power outage, forecasters recommend simple precautions. The Met Office advises: "Keep fridges and freezers closed, with a blanket over them as they will stay cold for many hours." It also warns: "Switch off appliances - turn off items such as irons, ovens, electric fires and fryers as they could pose a hazard if the power comes back on when you are not there."
Amber Heat Warning Details
The amber alert is in place from 1am on Monday, June 22, to 11.59pm on Tuesday, June 23. BBC forecaster Ben Rich noted that tropical nights are expected in some locations, with overnight temperatures remaining above 20C (68F). The Met Office warns of health risks, especially for the elderly and vulnerable, with the UK Health Security Agency issuing separate amber and yellow heat health alerts across large parts of England.
Travel and Power Disruptions
Delays and disruptions to travel networks and power supplies are possible. Scattered intense thunderstorms may occur as the heatwave peaks, with temperatures potentially reaching 34C in the south. Nick Farrow from Netweather TV stated: "Some models are indicating temperatures reaching 35-36C on Monday and Tuesday across southern England, which will challenge the long-standing June maximum temperature record of 35.6C last set on 28th June 1976." The heat is expected to continue across England and Wales through the end of the week, with temperatures reaching 30C daily in parts of southern and southeastern England.
