The Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning for Wednesday and Thursday, as extreme heat and humidity are expected to pose a risk to life. The warning covers southern Wales and parts of England including London, stretching from Kent to Somerset and up to Birmingham and southern Cambridgeshire.
The UK Health Security Agency has also issued a red heat health alert for six English regions: the West Midlands, East Midlands, south-east, south-west, London, and the east of England. This is only the second such alert ever issued, the first being in July 2022 when temperatures exceeded 40°C.
Temperatures are forecast to reach 37-40°C in the shade, accompanied by high humidity, with very warm nights hindering recovery. The Met Office warns of significant disruption to daily life, travel, energy supplies, and potential damage to property and infrastructure.
Professor Bill McGuire of University College London warned that temperatures above 43°C are possible, and the UK's infrastructure is not built for such conditions. He highlighted risks of power cuts, transport chaos, and overwhelmed health services. Rail services, including the Elizabeth line and Overground, are expected to face speed restrictions and reduced services.
Professor Friederike Otto of Imperial College London called the heatwave a growing public health threat, urging urgent action. Some schools, such as Kingdown School in Warminster, are closing early this week to protect students from the heat.
