The Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning for extreme heat, as temperatures in parts of England and Wales could reach 40C. The warning, which covers 50 areas, will be in effect from 9am on Wednesday, June 24, until 9pm on Thursday, June 25.
Exceptional Heat and Humidity Expected
The forecaster described the spell as "exceptional," with hot and humid weather expected to affect a large part of England and Wales. The warning area is likely to see maximum temperatures in the shade exceed 37C, with some places reaching 38 to 40C. High humidity will exacerbate discomfort and health impacts, and very warm nights will reduce the ability for people to recover overnight.
Full List of Affected Areas
The red warning covers the following areas: Northamptonshire, Bedford, Cambridgeshire, Central Bedfordshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Luton, Thurrock, Bracknell Forest, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, Greater London, Hampshire, Kent, Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire, Reading, Slough, Surrey, West Berkshire, West Sussex, Windsor and Maidenhead, Wokingham, Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, Dorset, Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, Wiltshire, Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen, Vale of Glamorgan, Herefordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands Conurbation, and Worcestershire.
Health Impacts and Precautions
The Met Office warned that the combination of high temperatures and humidity could lead to serious health issues, especially for vulnerable groups. People are advised to stay hydrated, avoid excessive heat exposure, and check on elderly or ill relatives. The warning is a reminder of the dangers posed by extreme heat, which can be fatal if precautions are not taken.
