The UK is bracing for an extreme heatwave this week, with temperatures expected to surpass 37°C in the shade and potentially reach 38°C to 40°C in parts of England and Wales. The Met Office attributes the intense heat to a 'heat dome' settling over western Europe, exacerbated by human-driven climate change. The hot conditions, accompanied by high humidity and very warm nights, will make it difficult for people to recover overnight.
Red Health Alert Issued for Six Regions
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a rare red heat health warning for six regions of England: the West Midlands, East Midlands, South East, South West, London, and east of England. The alert is in effect from 1am on Wednesday until 11pm on Thursday. This is only the second red heat health warning ever issued, following the first in July 2022 when temperatures exceeded 40°C in the UK for the first time.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, stated: 'Very hot weather is forecast across large parts of England in the coming days and 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. 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.'
Amber Warning for Northern England
A separate amber health alert has been issued for the North West, North East, and Yorkshire and the Humber for the same period, indicating that the impact is expected to be felt across the entire health service in these areas. The Met Office has also issued a red weather warning covering an area from London to Swansea and Somerset to Birmingham from 9am on Wednesday to 9pm on Thursday, warning of 'substantial changes' in working practices and daily routines.
Transport and Infrastructure at Risk
The extreme heat poses a high risk of failure of heat-sensitive systems and equipment, potentially leading to loss of power and other essential services such as water, electricity, gas, or mobile phone services. Travel disruptions are expected, including delays on roads, road closures, and delays or cancellations to rail and air travel. Rod Dennis, road safety spokesperson at RAC, warned of a potential record number of breakdowns as the heat puts extra strain on vehicles. He urged drivers to take the red warnings seriously and avoid non-essential journeys if their vehicles lack effective air conditioning. The AA noted that gritters may be deployed on some roads due to the risk of surfaces softening or becoming sticky under the heat.
Schools and Workplaces Affected
The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) has provided guidance to schools on dealing with the heat, including impacts on pupils and staff, legal positions, and when to consider closure. Paul Whiteman, NAHT general secretary, said: 'While there is no legal “upper limit” for temperature in schools, school leaders will certainly be doing all they can to mitigate the effects of such high temperatures.' Employers are also urged to assess risks to workers, with conciliation service Acas recommending measures such as providing fans, portable air-cooling units, allowing more frequent breaks, and relaxing dress codes. Ruth Wilkinson of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health highlighted that outdoor workers in agriculture, construction, and the gig economy face the most immediate risks, but indoor workers are also vulnerable due to poor ventilation and outdated building designs.
Climate Change Connection
Scientists link the heatwave to a 'heat dome' similar to one seen last month, where a high-pressure weather system stalls over a region, trapping heat. Akshay Deoras, senior research scientist at the National Centre for Atmospheric Science at the University of Reading, described it as 'a heat-dome driven furnace that will grip most of southern UK and push temperatures into truly exceptional territory.' He added that human-driven climate change 'has provided the springboard for this event' by loading the atmosphere with extra heat. Bill McGuire, professor emeritus at University College London, warned that temperatures above 43°C are now possible in the UK's current climate, but 'the country's health services, energy infrastructure and transport are simply not built for these conditions.' Gareth Redmond-King of the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit noted that the heatwave 'hits in the week Parliament is set to debate and vote on the UK’s plans to get to net zero – which remains the only scientifically available solution to halting climate change.'
Drought Concerns for Farmers
Last week, the national drought group reported that the risk of drought has risen, with East Anglia returning to 'prolonged dry weather' status and Devon and Cornwall on a watchlist. Farmers are facing growing pressure, with many reporting issues with spring crop growth and having to extract water from rivers and lakes earlier than usual. The Environment Agency is working with water companies on drought plans and actively monitoring water levels and rainfall patterns.
