A rare amber “extreme heat” warning has come into effect in London, with forecasters saying the UK could see its hottest day of the year. The alert, which warns of a risk to life, was issued by the Met Office from 9am to midnight.
Potential for record temperatures
Met Office forecaster Alex Burkill said temperatures in areas covered by the amber warning could reach highs of around 36, 37, possibly 38C. He noted that such high temperatures could impact infrastructure, including railway lines and roads, which are not designed for this sort of heat. He added that more people are likely to be affected in terms of their health.
Burkill said it could be the hottest day of the year so far if temperatures exceed 38C, and if they go above 38.5C, it could be the hottest August day on record, though he described that as “actually pretty unlikely.” The highest temperature of the year so far was 38C, recorded at Lingwood in Norfolk on June 28.
Travel disruptions and advice
Chiltern Railways and East Midlands Railway have issued alerts advising passengers to “only travel if essential.” Other operators are either running reduced timetables or warning about the potential for short-notice cancellations.
