Extreme Heat Alert for England and Wales
A rare red weather warning for extreme heat has been activated for segments of England and Wales later this week, as meteorologists forecast temperatures could soar to 40C in certain areas. This warning, issued by the Met Office, encompasses London, parts of the Midlands, south-east Wales, and southern England. It will be in effect from 09:00 BST on Wednesday until 21:00 BST on Thursday.
Forecasters indicate that high humidity will intensify the extreme heat, warning of "significant disruption" to daily life, including potential travel issues. Several schools have already announced plans for early closures.
Health and Safety Concerns
The Met Office has highlighted that the intense heat will have a broad impact on public health, leading to serious illness and posing a danger to life. Less severe amber weather warnings are also in place across much of southern and central England and most of Wales, from Monday through Thursday.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also issued its own red heat health warnings, marking only the second time such a warning has been issued in relation to heat. These warnings cover the West Midlands, East Midlands, South East, South West, London, and East of England, spanning from 01:00 BST on Wednesday to 23:00 BST on Thursday.
Dr. Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, has urged health and social care services to prepare for the upcoming days. He emphasized the importance of understanding the risks posed by high temperatures and taking precautions to ensure personal and community safety.
Anticipated Peak Temperatures
In the most affected regions, the Met Office predicts temperatures could reach up to 40C, with the peak of the heatwave expected on Wednesday and Thursday. This could approach the UK's highest recorded temperature of 40.3C, set in Coningsby in July 2022, which was the only other instance a red extreme heat warning was issued.
Temperatures began to climb on Monday, with some areas experiencing thundery showers. Forecasts for Tuesday include highs of 37C in southern England and 35C in south-east Wales. Wednesday and Thursday are expected to see temperatures rise to at least 39C, with a possibility of exceeding this. During this hot spell, some areas may experience "tropical nights," where temperatures do not drop below 21C or 22C.
Disruption Across Sectors
Education
While the government typically does not advise school closures during hot weather, it suggests measures to manage conditions. Many schools in England have implemented actions such as relaxing uniform policies and planning early closures. The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) has provided guidance to its members, with General Secretary Paul Whiteman stating that school leaders are doing everything possible to mitigate the effects of high temperatures.
Emergency Services and Utilities
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has urged the public to exercise caution around open water and in outdoor spaces, following several water-related deaths during a previous heatwave in May. Chair Phil Garrigan also cautioned about the risk of wildfires, highlighting how easily they can start and spread.
South East Water has requested that customers conserve water for essential purposes, as their network is under significant pressure.
Travel
Travel disruption is highly probable as temperatures rise, affecting both railways and roads. The AA has indicated that gritters may be deployed on some roads to address softening or stickiness of surfaces. AA President Edmund King advised drivers to reduce speed and avoid abrupt braking or steering on compromised road surfaces. RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis recommended that drivers in red warning areas avoid non-essential journeys if their vehicles lack effective air conditioning, noting that heat can strain vehicles and increase breakdown risks.
Some Great Western Railway trains experienced delays or cancellations on Monday due to the heat, with forecasters warning of more widespread disruption across the rail network as the week progresses. Avanti West Coast will operate fewer trains on certain routes from Tuesday to Thursday, and Transport for Wales cancelled some services on Monday, anticipating further disruption.
European Context
The heatwave originates from continental Europe, where an intense hot spell has developed. In France, two children were found deceased in a vehicle on Monday, in an incident local prosecutors believe is "probably linked to the heatwave." Red warnings are currently in effect across more than half of France's regions and in other parts of western and central Europe.
Source: Temperatures could hit 40C in UK as rare red heat warning issued