The Met Office has issued a Red Warning for Extreme Heat for Friday. The first time in the history of the current weather warnings system that red warnings have been issued for extreme heat for three consecutive days in the UK.
The warning, which extends from Kent to Oxford and Winchester to Brighton, will impacts millions of people across London, the Home Counties and the South East.
Andy Page is a Met Office Chief Meteorologist. He said: “This exceptional spell of hot and humid weather will maintain its grip on the UK for a little longer. Although the current red warning for areas in more central and western parts of England and Wales will expire later today, the heatwave will still be bringing high temperatures to these areas, albeit moving away from the peak heat of Wednesday and Thursday.
“We are expecting that some daytime maximum temperatures could exceed 36°C, perhaps rising to 37°C in some locations.”
The daytime heat will be accompanied by high humidity, and this will lead to some uncomfortably warm, humid nights, exacerbating the potential for discomfort and health impacts.
Andy Page added: “Significant disruption to daily life is likely and the public should take every effort to adapt their daily routines to cope with these levels of heat, which up to now have been extremely rare for the UK.”
he combination of heat and humidity will be oppressive and bring impacts across society from public health and infrastructure, to power and water supplies.
The UK Health Security Agency has also issued a series of Heat Health Alerts, which specifically highlight the potential health and social care impacts.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA said: “Very hot weather is forecast across large parts of England in the coming days and we are urging health and social care services across the country to ensure they are prepared. It is vitally important that people understand the risk posed by high temperatures like these, and take steps to keep themselves and their friends, families and neighbours safe.
“A red heat health alert indicates a risk to life for even the healthy population, but simple actions like staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day, and keeping your home cool can make a big difference. It’s also important to look out for others, especially elderly relatives, neighbours, and those with underlying health conditions, to make sure they are aware of the forecast and following the necessary advice.”
Age UK Charity Director Caroline Abrahams said: “Red extreme heat weather warnings are rare so when the Met Office issues one we need to take it seriously, especially if you are an older person living with underlying health conditions like heart or lung problems that increase your risk of heat-related harm.
“We hope anyone in this position, and older people more generally, will take extra care over the next few days and follow the excellent advice the Met Office and ourselves at Age UK have published on how to stay well when the temperatures soar. We also call on the public at large to look out for older people around them, to help them safely navigate the next few days.
“There are lots of simple precautions that older people can take to stay safe, such as keeping in the shade, drinking plenty of water and confining activities like walking or shopping to early or late in the day, certainly outside the hottest hours between 11am and 3pm. Keeping your home as cool as possible by closing curtains and windows during the day and opening them at night will make a difference too.”
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