Met Office names 50 areas facing 40C heatwave on Wednesday – full list | UK | News
The Met Office has issued an “extremely rare red warning” for extreme temperatures as temperatures are forecast to soar to 40°C in parts of England and Wales this week. The warning will come into force at 9am on Wednesday, June 24 and will remain in force until 9pm on Thursday, June 25, covering 50 local government areas, with forecasters warning of serious illness and potential danger to life.
Forecasters warned that a “period of exceptionally hot and humid weather” was expected, with widespread impacts on the general population expected. In an update published on Monday morning, the Met Office said: “During the heatwave expected to affect large parts of England and Wales this week, the highlighted area is now increasingly likely to see a period of two to three days where maximum temperatures in the shade exceed 37 degrees Celsius, perhaps rising to 38 to 40 degrees Celsius in some places. The heat will be accompanied by high humidity, increasing the potential for discomfort and health impacts, with very hot and humid night hours also reducing people’s ability to recover overnight.”
Significant disruption to daily life is likely as Britain goes through what could be one of the hottest periods ever recorded, the forecaster has warned.
According to the Met Office, a red alert means “population-wide adverse health effects” are likely and could potentially lead to “serious illness or life-threatening”.
The warning also highlights the risk of transport disruption, delays and cancellations on rail and air networks, increased pressure on electricity and water supplies, and greater risk of incidents on rivers, lakes and coastal areas.
The Met Office added: “There is likely to be significant disruption to daily life and the public should make every effort to take precautions and adapt their daily routines where possible to cope with these levels of heat, which have so far been extremely rare for the UK.”
Britons have been urged to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day and check on elderly or vulnerable relatives and neighbours.
