The Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning for extreme heat on Wednesday and Thursday, covering parts of Wales and central and southern England. The UK Health Security Agency has also raised a red heat health alert for six English regions, indicating a risk to life even for healthy individuals.
The red warning area includes southern Wales as far west as Swansea, and an English zone from Kent across to Somerset, extending north-west to Birmingham and north-east to southern Cambridgeshire. Temperatures are expected to exceed 37°C, potentially reaching 38-40°C in some places, with high humidity exacerbating health risks.
This is only the second red heat health alert issued by the UKHSA, following the July 2022 event when temperatures surpassed 40°C. The alert is in effect from 1am Wednesday to 11pm Thursday for the West Midlands, East Midlands, south-east, south-west, London, and east of England.
Experts warn that the UK's infrastructure is not prepared for such conditions. Professor Bill McGuire of University College London highlighted risks of power cuts, transport disruption, and overwhelmed hospitals. Professor Friederike Otto of Imperial College London called the situation a growing public health threat, noting that children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable.
Some schools, such as Kingdown School in Warminster, Wiltshire, are closing early this week to protect pupils. Rail services, including London's Overground and Elizabeth line, are expected to face speed restrictions and reduced services due to heat-related infrastructure issues.
