A severe heatwave is set to bring temperatures of up to 40C to 24 counties across the UK, causing widespread disruption to train services and triggering a rare red weather warning from the Met Office. Passengers are being urged to avoid travel on Wednesday and Thursday, as LNER and other rail operators warn of significant delays and cancellations due to the extreme heat.
Red Weather Warning Issued for Extreme Heat
The Met Office has issued a red weather warning for extreme heat, the highest level, covering large parts of England. Temperatures are forecast to reach 40C in some areas, potentially breaking UK records. Schools have been closed in affected regions as a precaution, and health officials have warned of a rise in deaths due to the heatwave.
According to the Met Office, 24 UK counties are expected to hit 40C, including areas in the North East, East Midlands, and South East. The list in full includes: Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, Durham, Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Hertfordshire, Greater London, Kent, Surrey, and Sussex.
Train Passengers Face Major Disruption
LNER has warned customers not to travel on Wednesday and Thursday, citing the red weather warning. The company stated that services will be severely reduced, with speed restrictions in place to prevent tracks from buckling. Other operators, including Northern and TransPennine Express, have also advised against non-essential travel. Passengers are being urged to check their journey before setting out.
Network Rail has implemented emergency measures, including painting tracks white to reflect heat and deploying teams to monitor infrastructure. However, delays and cancellations are expected across the network, with some routes completely suspended.
Health Alerts and Safety Advice
A 60-hour heat health alert has been issued for the North East, with temperatures set to soar to 30C. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned of a rise in deaths, particularly among the elderly and vulnerable. People are advised to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, keep hydrated, and check on neighbours.
Drivers have been urged to remove items from cars that could be damaged by heat, such as electronics and aerosols, as insurance may not cover the damage. A heatwave parking mistake, such as leaving windows closed in direct sunlight, can also seriously damage a car. Motorists are also warned that trying to stay cool by driving with the air conditioning on full blast could land them a £5,000 fine if it causes dangerous driving.
Schools Close and Events Cancelled
Several schools in the North East and other affected areas have closed for the day, with some moving to online learning. Outdoor events have been cancelled or postponed, including sports fixtures and festivals. The Met Office has advised people to avoid strenuous activity during the hottest hours.
Thunderstorms have also caused chaos at Bristol Airport, with a house reportedly set on fire by a lightning strike. The storms are expected to move eastwards, bringing further disruption to the South West.
How to Stay Cool
Experts recommend sleeping in the coolest position to beat the heat, such as on your side with a thin sheet. A £12 fan has been praised for helping a woman through a 35-hour labour, and similar products are being recommended for heatwave relief. The Met Office has also explained what tropical nights are, where temperatures remain above 20C overnight, which can exacerbate health risks.
