Warning of ‘extreme heat’ as 33C is forecast
THE Met Office has issued its first amber “extreme heat” warning as parts of the UK are set to reach a sizzling 33C.
The warning – which is similar to those issued when heavy rain or snow is forecast – covers a large part of Wales, all of southwest England and parts of southern and central England, and will remain in force until the end of Thursday.
It comes after temperature records were set over the weekend. In England on Sunday, 31.6C (88.88F) was recorded at Heathrow, overtaking Saturday’s record-breaking 30.3C (86.54F) recorded in Coton in the Elms, Derbyshire.
But forecasters said temperatures are expected to climb further early this week, possibly reaching 33C (91.4F) in some western areas.
The Met Office launched a new Extreme Heat National Severe Weather Warning at the start of June, with warnings to be issued based on the impacts of extreme heat. Amber and red warnings can now be issued to inform the public of potential widespread disruption and adverse health effects.
Forecasters said the amber warning comes as the forecast continues to signal unusually high temperatures. Dr Rob Thompson, who works
as a meteorologist at the University of Reading, said: “Heatwaves are one of the weather extremes that are most easily linked to climate change, which is already affecting us here in the UK.
“British heatwaves are already hotter and last longer, compared to just a few decades ago.
“The hottest day of the year in the UK is on average nearly 1C warmer now than the average in the period of the 1960s to the 1980s, and extended spells of warm weather last more than double the length.
“We can expect that extreme summer heatwaves of the type that can kill people in the UK will become a regular occurrence, hitting us on average every other summer by the middle of the century, under current trends of increasing emissions and warming.”
It comes as police in Yorkshire confirmed two deaths after bodies were recovered from lakes in Sheffield and Wakefield, just a day after a man in his 50s died in North Yorkshire.
The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents councils in England, said people should think carefully before travelling to beaches, parks and other public places.
The LGA said councils have adapted their heatwave plans in keeping with Covid-19 advice and added that social workers, community wardens and maintenance staff will be on high alert.
It is also urging people to call their council if they believe anyone needing help is being missed out. Older people and those suffering from heart and respiratory problems are most at risk.
Coun David Fothergill, of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: “Hot weather advice might seem common sense but effective action, taken early, can reduce the health impacts.”