It’s the first time such an alert has been issued since the UK temperature record was broken four years ago
The Meteorological Office has issued a red weather alert for extreme heat.
The red alert – which is very rare and was last issued in London during the record-breaking heatwave of July 2022 – covers the whole of the capital as well large parts of the south-east, the south-west, parts of the West Midlands as well as Wales.
During this week’s heatwave temperatures are now widely expected to reach 38C and possible threaten passing the 40C barrier for only the second time in recorded UK weather history.
The current June temperature record is only 35.6C.
The Met Office’s weather alert states: “An exceptional spell of hot and humid weather is expected across this region, with impacts to the general population highly likely.”
It adds that there is a “high risk of failure of heat-sensitive systems and equipment, with the loss of power and other essential services, such as water, electricity, gas or mobile phone services”.
In terms of advice for what people should to during the extreme heat, the Met Office states: “Drink plenty of fluids, keep out of the sun, avoid any exercise between 11am-3pm when the sun is strongest and close curtains in rooms that face the sun. If you are going out take water with you, stay in the shade, wear sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat.”
Read the weather alert and the advice being offered in full:
Visit weather.metoffice.gov.uk/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings
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