The London Ambulance Service (LAS), the UK's largest ambulance service, has issued an urgent heatwave warning, urging Brits to avoid exercising outdoors and drinking too much alcohol as temperatures soar. The warning comes after LAS responded to its highest-ever number of life-threatening emergencies on Wednesday, with a 50% increase in calls compared to a typical June day.
Record-Breaking Heat and Rising Demand
The Met Office provisionally recorded 36.7°C in Somerset on Wednesday, making it the hottest June day on record in the UK. LAS reported that life-threatening emergencies rose by 50%, and cardiac arrests increased by 30%. Chief operating officer Craig Harman stated, "I'm saying to people I need you to drink water even when you're not thirsty, staying out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day, and particularly not exercising outside and putting your body under additional heat and strain."
Specific Advice for the Public
Harman emphasized staying hydrated, avoiding the hottest parts of the day, and refraining from outdoor exercise. With football fans expected to gather for England's World Cup match on Saturday, he also urged those drinking alcohol to drink plenty of water in between. The LAS expects demand to continue rising as the heatwave persists.
Widespread Disruption Across the UK
The heatwave, driven by a "heat dome," has caused widespread disruption. Schools and nurseries have closed, several hospitals declared critical incidents, and rail passengers were advised to avoid unnecessary travel due to pressure on services. A red heat warning remains in place across parts of England until Friday evening, with amber and yellow warnings elsewhere.
Heat-Related Incidents and Climate Context
The soaring temperatures have been linked to serious incidents. In Wales, a 50-year-old man died after entering the water at Aberavon beach, and firefighters in Derbyshire continued tackling a large wildfire on Tintwistle Moor. Human-driven climate change, primarily from burning fossil fuels, is making such heatwaves more frequent and intense. Forecasters expect eastern England to see the highest temperatures on Friday before cooler conditions arrive over the weekend.
