- Yellow heat health alerts issued by the Health Security Agency are in place for several regions, continuing until 9pm on Tuesday but may be extended.
- Met Office issues a rare extreme heat warning update as 36C is forecast.
- Meteorologist Tom Morgan forecasts mid-30s widely on Wednesday and Thursday, with 36C possible in the M4 corridor.
- Thursday is expected to be the hottest day with 36C a reasonable probability locally.
- Mr Morgan noted that if not for the incredible summer, these temperatures would be very unusual, but people have become used to the exceptional summer.
- There is potential for impacts to infrastructure (railway lines, power networks) and to vulnerable people, with health officials warning of significant impacts in health and social care settings and a potential rise in deaths.
The UK is bracing for a significant heatwave, with the Met Office issuing a rare extreme heat warning as temperatures are predicted to soar to 36C on Thursday. Meteorologist Tom Morgan indicated that mid-30s are expected across the country, particularly in the M4 corridor and the Midlands.345
Morgan stated, "Thursday at this stage looks the most likely hottest day of the week." He added that while such temperatures might seem unusual in other summers, this year has been exceptional, leading to a public desensitization to heat.67
The extreme heat poses risks, particularly to vulnerable populations, with health officials warning of potential impacts on health and social care settings, including a possible rise in heat-related deaths.
Yellow heat health alerts have been issued by the Health Security Agency for regions including the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, South West, East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, and London, remaining in effect until 9pm on Tuesday, with potential extensions as the heat persists.12
Additionally, over 25 million people are currently under water use restrictions, with hosepipe bans affecting customers of South East Water and Thames Water, as the Environment Agency responds to the ongoing heatwave conditions.
Morgan noted, "There is a potential for impacts, so impacts to infrastructure, things like railway lines and power networks, impacts to vulnerable people as well."1011
“Yellow heat health alerts are in place for seven regions until 9pm Tuesday, with possible extension. Health officials warn of significant impacts on health and social care settings and a potential rise in deaths, while infrastructure like railway lines and power networks face disruption.”
The Independent
