The Met Office has issued a red extreme heat warning for Wednesday and Thursday, with temperatures expected to reach at least 39C and potentially exceed 40C in some areas. The alert covers 50 areas across England and Wales, warning of a 'danger to life' for vulnerable people and even the healthy population.
Red Warning Areas and Expected Temperatures
Tuesday is forecast to bring highs of 37C in the South of England and 35C in southeast Wales. The heatwave will peak on Wednesday and Thursday, when temperatures are expected to climb to at least 39C, though this could be exceeded in places, according to the Met Office.
The red extreme heat alerts have been issued for Wednesday and Thursday, warning that the blistering weather could put vulnerable people's lives at risk. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also issued a series of heat health alerts, warning of a 'risk to life for even the healthy population'.
Areas Under the Red Heat Warning
The red warning covers 50 areas, including the East Midlands (Northamptonshire), East of England (Bedford, Cambridgeshire, Central Bedfordshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Luton, Thurrock), London and South East England (Bracknell Forest, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, Greater London, Hampshire, Kent, Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire, Reading, Slough, Surrey, West Berkshire, West Sussex, Windsor and Maidenhead, Wokingham), South West England (Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, Dorset, Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, Wiltshire), Wales (Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen, Vale of Glamorgan), and the West Midlands (Herefordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands Conurbation, Worcestershire).
Health Advice and Precautions
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: 'We are urging health and social care services across the country to ensure they are prepared. It is vitally important that people understand the risk posed by high temperatures like these, and take steps to keep themselves and their friends, families and neighbours safe.'
A red heat health alert indicates a risk to life for even the healthy population, but simple actions like staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day, and keeping your home cool can make a big difference. Dr Sousa added: 'It’s also important to look out for others, especially elderly relatives, neighbours, and those with underlying health conditions, to make sure they are aware of the forecast and following the necessary advice.'
