The Met Office has issued a rare top-level red warning for extreme heat, affecting 48 areas across the UK, including Birmingham, London, Oxford, Cardiff, and Bath. The warning is in effect from 9am on Wednesday until 9pm on Thursday, with temperatures expected to reach an unprecedented 39°C to 40°C in some parts.
Amber Warning Also in Place
Simultaneously, an amber alert will cover much of the UK from midnight on Wednesday until midnight on Thursday. This includes the South-west of England, the South coast, all of Wales, the Midlands, and parts of the North, such as Peterborough, Nottingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Norwich, Cambridge, Stoke, Exeter, and Brighton.
Potential Impacts
The Met Office warned that the extreme heat could lead to “heat sensitive systems and equipment” failing, resulting in power cuts and loss of other essential services like water, electricity, gas, or mobile phone services. They also cautioned about “population wide adverse health effects” and the need for “substantial changes in daily routines.”
According to the Met Office: “Hot and humid weather is expected to continue through the middle of the week, with exceptionally warm temperatures both day and night. Population-wide adverse health effects are likely to be experienced, not limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat, leading to potential serious illness or danger to life. Substantial changes in working practices and daily routines likely to be required. Failure of heat-sensitive systems and equipment is likely, with the probable loss of power and other essential services, such as water, electricity, gas or mobile phone services.”
Advice for the Public
The Met Office advised: “Keep yourself safe by following these simple steps to reduce the likelihood of the heat making you feel unwell; drink plenty of fluids, keep out of the sun and avoid any exercise between 11am-3pm when the sun is strongest and close curtains in rooms that face the sun. If you are going out take water with you, stay in the shade, wear sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat. People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It's easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.”
