A red extreme heat warning covering parts of England and Wales has come into force for only the second time, as temperatures are expected to reach 40C on Wednesday and Thursday. The warning, issued by the Met Office, stretches from London to Swansea and Somerset to Birmingham, and is active from 9am Wednesday until 9pm Thursday.
Record-Breaking Temperatures Expected
During the peak of the heatwave, temperatures could approach the UK’s all-time high of 40.3C recorded in Lincolnshire in July 2022. The current June record of 35.6C, set in Hampshire in 1976, is also expected to be surpassed. BBC weather forecaster Chris Fawkes predicted the June record would be “absolutely smashed,” with highs possibly reaching 37C or 38C.
Overnight into Wednesday, many areas stayed above 20C, with Brize Norton in Oxfordshire not falling below 22.3C and Heathrow, west London, staying above 22.1C, according to the Met Office.
Health and Infrastructure Impacts
The combination of extreme heat and humidity could affect public health, infrastructure, power and water supplies, the Met Office warned. Heat-related issues may impact transport, energy, and water sectors, and there could be an increase in water safety incidents as more people visit coastal areas, lakes, or rivers.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued red heat health alerts for the East of England, East Midlands, London, South East, South West, and West Midlands, and amber alerts for the North East, North West, and Yorkshire and The Humber. These alerts are in place from 1am Wednesday to 11pm Thursday, meaning “adverse temperatures are likely to impact on the health and wellbeing of the population.”
School Closures and Transport Disruption
Extreme temperatures have led to school closures across the country. Almost 100 schools in Somerset will be fully closed on both Wednesday and Thursday, according to Somerset Council. About 100 schools will be at least partially closed in Buckinghamshire, and 86 in Gloucestershire. Some schools have told children to wear PE kit instead of full uniform.
Transport bosses have urged people to avoid travel on Wednesday and Thursday. National Rail warned of disruption to Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern, and Thameslink services until Friday. Avanti West Coast is running fewer services, and Chiltern Railways has axed more than half its services until Friday. Eurostar cancelled four trains between London and Paris on Wednesday and Thursday due to expected adverse weather.
The AA reported a 6% increase in workload above planned levels on Tuesday, reflecting higher demand. A spokesperson advised drivers to check tyre pressures, coolant, and oil levels, and to carry plenty of water and keep phones charged.
Fire Safety and NHS Advice
The London Fire Brigade advised against disposable barbecues in parks due to fire risk, and urged those barbecuing at home to keep them away from flammable materials. NHS trusts across England, including Moorfields Eye Hospital and Barts Health NHS, advised patients to bring water and check travel before appointments. General NHS heatwave advice includes staying out of the heat, cooling down with cold food and drinks, and closing windows and blinds during the day.
The Army cancelled ceremonial operations in London and Windsor to protect soldiers’ wellbeing. In a post on X, the Army in London stated: “Due to extreme heat this week, Ceremonial Operations in London & Windsor will be changed or cancelled. The wellbeing of our soldiers, horses and the public will always come first.”
The Met Office introduced extreme heat warnings in 2021 after a record number of heatwave deaths in summer 2020. The first red warning was issued in July 2022.
