The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned that people aged 65 and over or with health conditions could die as temperatures in Greater Manchester are set to reach 36C next week, according to Met Office forecasters.
Temperature Forecast for Greater Manchester
The mercury will rise each day, reaching 29C on Monday, 31C on Tuesday, and 33C on Wednesday under an amber warning. The peak is expected on Thursday at 36C, before dropping to the mid-20s for the rest of the week. This puts the region close to the record of 37.7C recorded at Rostherne near Manchester Airport in July 2022.
Broader Context and Comparisons
While Manchester's heat is intense, it pales compared to parts of Spain and France where temperatures are set to exceed 40C this week. French authorities have imposed public alcohol consumption restrictions and cancelled some outdoor sporting events. The Met Office noted that the coming days will bring humid conditions and potentially tropical nights, with overnight temperatures not falling below 20C, making it feel "muggier" than last month's heatwave.
Health Warnings and Impacts
The UKHSA warned of significant impacts on health and social care services, along with a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions. The amber extreme heat warning, initially issued on Sunday, was expanded to cover Monday through Thursday. On Monday and Tuesday, the warning covers most of southern England, central and eastern Wales, and much of the Midlands. On Wednesday and Thursday, it includes parts of Greater Manchester, Yorkshire, and Cheshire.
Advice and Precautions
The Met Office advised people in the alert area to drink plenty of fluids, keep out of the sun, and avoid exercising between 11am and 3pm. Substantial changes to working and daily routines will likely be required, and disruptions to road, air, and rail travel are expected.
Met Office meteorologist Simon Partridge said: "It’s a very unusual, very rare spell of very hot weather, so it’s one of those ones where people should take care, try to keep their houses as cool as possible, check in on those that are vulnerable, so the very young and very old, in particular, are more vulnerable to extreme heat. But everybody will feel this because it will be very hot and the overnight temperatures, in particular, will mean that people won’t be getting as much sleep, probably, as they would usually do, so it will affect everyone."
Transport and Infrastructure Risks
Partridge added: "There’s also potential for impacts to transport as well. We know that when things get very warm, there can sometimes be issues with railway lines, and even possibility that some roads might not be doing too well. If it gets too warm, you may even see a little bit of tarmac melting at times."
