Winter gritting lorries are being brought out of storage to dump granite particles on melting roads as the UK braces for a heatwave that could break the 40.3C (104.5F) national temperature record. The Met Office has issued a rare red alert for extreme heat, with temperatures expected to reach 37C on Tuesday (June 23) and potentially 40C on Wednesday (June 24) and Thursday.
Roads at risk of softening
Edmund King, president of the AA, warned drivers about the dangers of softened road surfaces. “The main risk for drivers is patches of roads becoming tacky, affecting braking, steering and grip,” he said. “If drivers come across a softened or damaged surface, slow down, avoid harsh braking or steering, and leave extra space from the vehicle in front.” The granite dust is intended to stop softened bitumen from sticking to car tyres.
Health warnings and heart attack risks
Experts have also warned that the extreme heat could make sex dangerous, as it trebles the risk of a heart attack according to a study by Harvard University. A Harvard spokesperson advised: “Men who experience possible cardiac symptoms during sex should interrupt the sexual activity at once.” A separate study by St George’s University of London identified 17 Brits who died from heart attacks during or just after sex, with two-thirds being men and an average age of 38.
Record-breaking temperatures
The Met Office forecasts that temperatures could surpass the June record of 35.6C set in 1976 in Southampton, and approach the all-time UK high of 40.3C recorded on July 19, 2022, in Coningsby, Lincolnshire. Red heat alerts are in place for central and southern England and Wales for Wednesday and Thursday, with the UK Health Security Agency warning of “a risk to life for even the healthy population.” Even northern England is expected to reach 37C by Thursday, with temperatures easing to 32C from Friday.
Met Office forecaster Marco Petagna said: “40C is possible, 4.4C above the June record, which is truly astounding and a very serious event.” Another forecaster added: “The peak of the heatwave is forecast for Wednesday and Thursday, when temperatures are expected to climb to at least 39C, with a chance of this being exceeded in places.” BBC weatherman Simon King commented: “Forecast models show potential for 40C, obliterating the June record and close to the all-time record of 40.3C. It’s incredible.”
