
UK weather forecast today: Warning of national heatwave emergency as health alert extended
UK weather: The latest Met Office forecast
Ministers are reportedly drawing up plans for an emergency reponse to the heatwave currently gripping the country, as the Met Office has extended the amber heat warning until Monday.
The Daily Telegraph reported that a Cobra meeting was held at Downing Street about the soaring temperatures in the UK and the possible danger to life if temperatures hit 40C.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) could declare a ‘level four emergency’ if the heat becomes so severe that “illness and death may occur among the fit and healthy”.
A spokesman told the newspaper: “There’s a possibility of a level four heatwave. If it gets above 104F (40C), then it is likely to be a level four heatwave for the first time.”
Meanwhile, the amber extreme heat alert issued by the Met Office for “exceptionally high” temperatures has been extended until Monday next week, with forecasters warning the conditions have the potential to cause serious illness or even death.
The heatwave has only just begun and forecasters have refused to rule out the possibility the UK could see record 40C temperatures towards the end of the week.
UK heatwave: Reservoir water levels hit record lows amid hosepipe ban warning
Water firms are urging families to save water as reservoir levels dip dangerously low amid soaring temperatures in the UK.
Water levels at some reservoirs are lower than recorded during the scorching summer of 1995.
Yorkshire Water has admitted it can’t rule out restrictions, such as a hosepipe ban, and urged customers to cut down on water usage.
Neil Dewis, head of water, told the BBC restrictions were “just one of the tools” the company could employ.
UK heatwave: Reservoirs hit record lows amid hosepipe ban warning
Some water levels are lower than recorded during the scorching summer of 1995.
Joe Middleton12 July 2022 13:23
Pictured: Worker carries large fan through Westminster
A man was spotted carrying a large fan through Westminster, London, today
(PA)
The individual got some amused looks for passersby as he carried the fan
(PA)
Joe Middleton12 July 2022 13:18
Opinion: Enjoying the sunshine? Here’s why you really shouldn’t be
We are currently experiencing extreme heat, with models forecasting the possibility of the UK reaching 40C for the first time ever.
Heat health alerts are in place until at least Friday, as the Met Office advises people to stay indoors and look after the elderly and clinically vulnerable.
In the summer of 2020, there were 2,500 excess deaths in England as a result of hot weather, writes Caroline Lucas.
A French weather forecast from 2014 warned of temperatures reaching 43C by August 2050. The forecast went viral in France last month, after temperatures across the country reached 43C – a whole 28 years early. Searing wildfires in California’s Yosemite National Park are right now threatening the world’s largest trees – the giant sequoias – which are thought to have stood for 3,000 years. The climate emergency is here.
Following the hunger strike outside Westminster by concerned citizen Angus Rose, the Climate Change APPG of which I am Chair secured an emergency climate science briefing which took place on Monday, led by the UK’s Chief Scientific Adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance. And the warning of climate scientists is stark.
Opinion: Enjoying the sunshine? Here’s why you really shouldn’t be
As the sun bears down on us this week, we must remember that we don’t need to – and can’t afford to – keep pouring fuel on the fire
Joe Middleton12 July 2022 12:53
Bottled water handed out as ‘Isle of Sheppey has no water’
Southern Water are handing out bottled water in the Isle of Sheppey, in east Kent, as the area currently has no water supply or low pressure, Kent Online reports.
The company has apologised and said a bottled water collection point has now been set up for residents who do not currently have any water.
Joe Middleton12 July 2022 12:30
Bolton NHS Foundation Trust urges people to stay safe in hot weather as A+E remains busy
Bolton NHS Foundation Trust has urged people to stay safe in the hot temperatures so that further pressure isn’t put on health services.
The Bolton A&E continues to experience very high levels of activity, with waiting times approximately more than four hours.
Rae Wheatcroft, Chief Operating Officer at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: We’re incredibly busy throughout the year, but long spells of hot weather can have a significant impact on our emergency services.
“We are always here to help if someone’s condition is an emergency or life-threatening.
“But please make sure you are seeking help from the most appropriate health services, using self-care options, pharmacy and NHS 111 online for 24/7 advice about the most appropriate care for less urgent conditions.
“This will help us make sure A&E and 999 ambulance services are available for those that need them the most.”
Joe Middleton12 July 2022 12:18
Huge fire breaks out in North Yorkshire field as heatwave takes hold
A huge fire broke out in a field in North Yorkshire as the UK experienced scorching temperatures.
Large flames were seen billowing from a stretch of land near Ripon in a video captured from a passing car on Monday.
The blaze can be seen stretching across the field as the motorist drives on.
Police said the fire had erupted as the UK was gripped by soaring temperatures.
The heatwave is expected to last throughout the week, with the Met Office refusing to rule out record 40C temperatures and issuing a rare amber heat warning starting on Sunday.
Huge fire breaks out in North Yorkshire field as heatwave takes hold
It comes as UK braces for warm weather throughout week
Joe Middleton12 July 2022 12:04
Met Office extends amber weather warning
On Monday, the Met Office issued an amber weather warning for extreme heat across parts of the UK ahead of further soaring temperatures this week.
The rare warning states there could be a danger to life or potential serious illness as a result of the scorching temperatures.
The Met Office previously said the warning is in place until Sunday, but today said the heat warning has now been extended to Monday.
Joe Middleton12 July 2022 11:51
UK heatwave: How to help the homeless in extreme heat
An intense heatwave is currently sweeping over the UK, with temperatures so high that the Met Office has issued an amber extreme heat alert.
Temperatures already exceeded 30C across much of England on Monday 12 July and Wales saw its hottest day of the year so far.
The Met Office warns that it could get even hotter as the week goes on, with temperatures forecast to hit 35C in the south east of the country on Sunday 17 July.
The UK Health and Security Agency has warned that the extreme heat could result in “illness and death” even among those who aren’t vulnerable.
Rough sleepers are particularly vulnerable during heatwaves without shelter to protect them from the soaring temperatures.
This is how you can help the homeless in extreme heat
An extreme heat alert has been issued across much of England and Wales
Joe Middleton12 July 2022 11:27
Pictured: Brits enjoying the heatwave this week
A man enjoys the good weather with his dog at Seapoint beach in South Dublin on Sunday
(PA Wire)
People enjoying the warm weather on Scarborough beach, North Yorkshire
(PA Wire)
People on the beach at Barry Island, Wales
(PA Wire)
Joe Middleton12 July 2022 11:10
Huge fire engulfs North Yorkshire field amid heatwave
Huge fire engulfs North Yorkshire field amid heatwave
Joe Middleton12 July 2022 10:28