BBC Breakfast presenter Jon Kay issued a severe 'risk to life' warning to viewers during the Wednesday 24 June edition of the programme, as a rare red extreme heat alert came into force across parts of England and Wales. Kay presented the show live from Richmond upon Thames, leaving co-host Sally Nugent alone in the studio.
Red alert details and timing
Within minutes of the programme starting, Kay alerted viewers to the Met Office's red extreme heat warning, only the second such alert ever issued. He explained: 'This red alert will come into force across southern England, across the Midlands and south-east Wales and it starts at nine o'clock this morning.' The warning carries a genuine threat to life, according to the Met Office.
Kay noted that the temperature in Richmond was already 22–23°C but could reach 38°C in some places later. He emphasised the humidity, saying: 'It's the humidity as well, which is going to make things even more challenging.' The camera showed the view over the bridge, with Kay describing the air as 'really humid and sticky'.
Impact on schools and transport
Hundreds of schools across England and Wales are closing fully or partially as a result of the extreme heat. Rail passengers are being advised to avoid non-essential travel on Wednesday and Thursday (25 June). Train operators are running fewer services to reduce stress on the infrastructure and minimise disruption, allowing breathing space in the timetable to prevent cascading delays.
BBC Breakfast airs daily from 6am on BBC One and iPlayer.
