The Met Office has issued a rare red heat warning for Birmingham, the Midlands, and parts of southern England, as extreme heat builds this week. The warning, effective from 11am to 8pm on Wednesday and Thursday, comes as temperatures are forecast to soar to between 38 and 40 degrees Celsius in some areas.
Currently, an amber heat warning is in place for the region, with temperatures already reaching 30°C in the East Midlands. However, the mercury is set to rise significantly throughout the week, peaking in the high 30s.
Met Office Forecast
According to the Met Office, Tuesday will be very hot and humid with strong sunshine and light winds, reaching a maximum of 37°C. High humidity will intensify the heat, making it feel uncomfortable. For Wednesday and Thursday, extreme heat is expected, with high humidity and very warm, muggy nights. Strong sunshine will persist, but conditions will turn increasingly cloudy from Thursday, with slightly less heat on Friday.
Between 11am and 8pm on Wednesday, the average temperature will be 37°C, while on Thursday, it will average 38°C during the same window.
Red Heat Warning Details
The red heat warning, issued for the East Midlands and other parts of England and Wales, highlights a two- to three-day period where maximum temperatures in the shade are likely to exceed 37°C, possibly reaching 38 to 40°C in some places. The Met Office warns: "The heat will be accompanied by high humidity, exacerbating the potential for discomfort and health impacts, with very warm and humid night times also reducing the ability for people to recover overnight."
Significant disruption to daily life is likely, and the public is urged to take precautions and adapt daily routines to cope with these rare levels of heat for the UK.
Local Impact
Birmingham, as the UK's second city, is expected to experience the brunt of the heatwave. Residents are advised to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity during peak hours, and check on vulnerable neighbors. The city council has activated its emergency heat plan, including providing cool spaces and distributing water to the homeless.
