The Met Office has issued a rare red heatwave warning for 36 areas across England, upgrading from an amber alert. The warning is in effect from 9am on Wednesday, June 24, to 9pm on Thursday, June 25, and covers a large swath of the country.
Exceptional Heat and Health Risks
According to the Met Office, this is an "exceptional spell of hot and humid weather" that will bring "population-wide adverse health effects." The risks are not limited to vulnerable groups; serious illness or danger to life is possible for the general population. Temperatures are expected to exceed 37°C in the shade, with some places reaching 38-40°C, accompanied by high humidity.
The Met Office stated: "Substantial changes in working practices and daily routines will be required. 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."
Widespread Disruption Expected
The warning highlights significant impacts on transport and public safety. "Significantly more people visiting coastal areas, lakes and rivers, leading to an increased risk of water safety incidents," the Met Office added. Delays on roads and road closures are likely, along with delays and cancellations to rail and air travel, with "significant welfare issues for those who experience even moderate delays."
The heatwave is expected to last two to three days, with very warm and humid nights reducing the ability for people to recover overnight. The Met Office urged the public to take precautions and adapt daily routines, noting that such extreme heat is "extremely rare for the UK."
Full List of Affected Regions and Local Authorities
The red warning covers 36 areas, including:
- Northamptonshire
- Bedford
- Cambridgeshire
- Central Bedfordshire
- Essex
- Hertfordshire
- Luton
- Thurrock
- Bracknell Forest
- Buckinghamshire
- East Sussex
- Greater London
- Hampshire
- Kent
- Milton Keynes
- Oxfordshire
- Reading
- Slough
- Surrey
- West Berkshire
- West Sussex
- Windsor and Maidenhead
- Wokingham
- Bath and North East Somerset
- Bristol
- Dorset
- Gloucestershire
- North Somerset
- Somerset
- South Gloucestershire
- Swindon
- Wiltshire
- Herefordshire
- Warwickshire
- West Midlands Conurbation
- Worcestershire
This is a developing story. Residents in affected areas are advised to stay hydrated, avoid the sun during peak hours, and check on vulnerable neighbors.
