The Met Office has warned people living in 47 areas that they should brace for ‘adverse health effects’ with power cuts also possible as temperatures reach 38C
Britain’s summer of sun is showing no signs of slowing down, as more record temperatures look set to hit the UK.
Weather experts at the UK Met Office are forecasting that potentially dangerous levels of heat are going to hit much of of the country over the next few days, with a large swathe of England being covered by a worrying ‘amber’ alert.
A Met Office amber warning means severe weather is very likely to cause significant disruption, travel delays, road and rail closures, power cuts, and a potential risk to life and property. It is more serious than a yellow warning and urges you to change your plans to stay safe
According to the forecasters, impacted areas should expect temperatures as high as 38C, which may cause “Adverse health effects are likely to be experienced by those vulnerable to extreme heat”.
Experts are warning those in the impacted areas to take precautions to avoid “sunburn, heat exhaustion (dehydration, nausea, fatigue) and other heat-related illnesses”, while “some changes in working practices and daily routines likely to be required.”
The Met added: “More people are likely to visit coastal areas, lakes and rivers leading to an increased risk of water safety incidents. Some delays to road, rail and air travel are possible, with potential for welfare issues for those who experience prolonged delays
It’s not just health issues that could be caused by the extreme heat, with experts suggesting that key infrastructure could be impacted by the high temperatures.
Some heat sensitive systems and equipment may fail, with the potential for some power cuts and the loss of other services to some homes and businesses.
More people are likely to visit coastal areas, lakes and rivers leading to an increased risk of water safety incidents Some delays to road, rail and air travel are possible, with potential for welfare issues for those who experience prolonged delays.
According to the Met’s forecast: “Following a warm night, a spell of very hot weather will affect England on Thursday. The highest temperatures will be in parts of the the Midlands and western England, where 37 or even 38 Celsius could be reached. This may lead to impacts on transport, infrastructure and health.”
These following areas of the country are expected to be impacted by the high temperatures the most:
East Midlands
East of England
London and South East England
North West England
South West England
West Midlands
Yorkshire and Humber