UK blackout warning as 41C heatwave to push grid ‘to breaking point’ | Weather | News
UK warned of power outages as record-breaking temperatures predicted (Image: Getty)
The UK has been warned of the potential for power outages as temperatures of 41 degrees are predicted to hit the country with a new heatwave that could push the grid to ‘breaking point’.
Forecasters predict Britain could see its hottest day ever recorded as a new heatwave is expected later in the week, with parts of south-east England climbing to high temperatures of 41 degrees.
Some districts are also predicted to enjoy 40-degree temperatures; Another wave of outages is likely to lead to carnage as services exceed demand limits and sweltering temperatures impact daily life.
Recent extreme heat has led to numerous power outages in London and Somerset, and power outage warnings have been issued in 35 areas.
The Met Office warned that the heat would create a risk of “failure”, leading to “possible loss of power” and other essential services such as water, electricity, gas or mobile phone services.
This problem is expected to intensify further as temperatures are likely to exceed recent highs.
Another heatwave expected to cause disruption (Image: Getty)
As energy demand increases in extreme heat, some regions will “push the grid to breaking point, disrupting supply and leaving homes without power,” according to infrastructure expert Taco Engelaar.
“During the 40-degree heatwave of 2022, thousands of homes lost power after transformers failed and conductors fell,” Engelaar added.
Four years ago, 15,000 homes in England were without power as temperatures hit an all-time high.
Thousands of households will be at high risk of losing power if temperatures rise above 40C following last week’s unrest.
Engelaar added: “At high temperatures, overhanging power lines can come into contact with dry vegetation, leading to wildfires.
“These fires don’t just pose a threat to communities; they can seriously damage infrastructure, leading to long-term outages. In some cases, utilities are forced to shut down parts of the network in advance to reduce the risk.”
“Once damage occurs, safety concerns mean repairs may be slower in extreme heat and the length of local power outages increases.”
Ahead of the sweltering heatwave, Brits are being advised to prepare for a loss of power, including preparing a kit.
This includes flashlights, any critical medical information, and trying to keep devices fully charged before any emergency.
The Met Office is also urging people to help vulnerable people, including elderly relatives and neighbours.
