For the first time ever, Met Office has declared the red alert, the highest weather alert for the cities of London, Manchester, York, Selby, Hull, Leeds, and Doncaster. This means that the coming heat may pose a risk to life and health.
The red extreme heat weather warning is in effect from Monday 12.00 and will last until Tuesday at 11.59 p.m. Residents of the cities mentioned above are encouraged not to travel on Monday and Tuesday, when temperatures are expected to exceed 40 °C. Forecasts predict there is an 80% chance that the UK’s record for the highest ever temperature of 38.7C set in 2019 will be broken on Tuesday when the current heatwave reaches its peak.
Transport for London (TfL) advises passengers to use public transport only for „essential journeys”. Very high temperatures can affect rails, overhead power lines, and signalling equipment. That is why transport services will be limited or suspended during this time. Track temperature checks will continue to be carried out regularly throughout the metro and rail networks.
Andy Lord, the company’s chief operating officer, said: “Due to the extremely hot weather expected next week, customers should only use London’s transport network for essential journeys. If someone needs to travel, check the timetable before your journey. We expect that there may be some disruptions to metro and rail services as a result of the temporary speed limits that we will have to implement to keep everyone safe,” – he explained.
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Only 40 % of public transport is equipped with air conditioning. The temperature in hot buses often reaches 30 degrees. Therefore, travel only when absolutely necessary and always take water with you. Dehydration in hot weather is very dangerous to health, especially for the elderly and children. Find some shade and remember that UV rays are strongest between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
The elderly are usually recommended to stay in air-conditioned shopping malls. Unfortunately, in the largest Great Britain – Westfield mall, the air conditioning has been broken for a week, and both customers and employees have to endure very high temperatures.
Numerous schools in England have announced that they will be closed this week, and others will be dropping their uniforms in the face of expected record temperatures. Although schools have not officially received a closure order, they have been encouraged to take steps to keep students safe and secure online.
How to protect yourself in hot weather?
- Look out for people who may find it difficult to stay hydrated: the elderly, the sick, and those living alone are particularly vulnerable
- If you live alone, ask a relative or friend to call you and check for problems in extreme heat
- Try to keep your indoor areas cool: keep the curtains closed in rooms that face the sun to keep the indoor spaces cooler, and remember that it can be cooler outside than at home
- Drink plenty of fluids and avoid drinking alcohol in excess
- Never leave anyone else in a closed, parked vehicle, especially babies, young children, or pets.
- Try not to stay in the sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the UV rays are at their strongest
- Walk in the shade, use sunscreen, and wear a wide-brimmed hat if you need to go outside in the heat
- Avoid physical exercise during the hottest parts of the day
Please make sure you bring water with you if you are travelling.
The heatwave is expected to return to „normal temperatures” after Tuesday.
Image: Pixabay
Author: Nel Badowska
Translation: Sébastien Meuwissen
