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Red extreme heat warning: What it means and how worried you need to be
Published 11:51 15 Jul 2022 BST
Homenews
There's a 50 per cent chance temperatures will hit 40C
A red weather warning has been put in place for the first time ever in the UK, as temperatures are forecast to hit 40C next week. Met Office announced the extreme heat warning on Friday, adding that Brits could face severe impacts as a result of the unprecedented heat. Here's everything you need to know about it: [caption id="attachment_348532" align="alignnone" width="1004"]
A red weather warning has been put in place across large parts of England on Monday and Tuesday (Met Office)[/caption]
What does a red weather warning actually mean?
A red weather warning is the highest warning, and it is the first time the Met Office has issued one, although the extreme heat warning system was only introduced in 2021. The red warning, which is in place on Monday and Tuesday, covers London and the Midlands and goes as far north as Manchester and York. As well as the red warning an amber warning remains in place across most of England. [caption id="attachment_348531" align="alignnone" width="1050"]
The weather warning impact matrix (Image: Met Office)[/caption]
"If you haven’t already done so, you should take action now to keep yourself and others safe from the impact of the severe weather," the forecaster's definition states.
How worried should we be?
A national emergency has been declared, which happens when "a heatwave is so severe and/or prolonged that its effects extend outside the health and social care system," the government's heatwave plan states. Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said it was "potentially a very serious situation" with a 50 per cent chance of temperatures reaching 40C somewhere in the UK - likely along the A1 corridor. The step up in warning level to red is running parrell to an increase in the current Heat Health Warning to Level 4 for England by the UK Health Security Agency. NHS staff fear being overwhelmed by heat-related casualties, of which there are 2000 on average in England every year. https://twitter.com/metoffice/status/1547882528832270337Met Office also adds that a risk to life is very likely when a red weather warning in place. Such extreme temperatures can cause health problems, leading to serious illness or death.
Speaking to The Mirror, climate change senior lecturer John Grant said: "I think hundreds are going to die in the UK if not thousands, that’s my fear if we hit temperatures of 40C. "It’s terrifying what will happen if we don’t have a management plan and get cooling centres ready."Substantial disruption to travel, energy supplies is also likely, and widespread damage to property and infrastructure is possible. A water main that burst at Gatwick Airport on Thursday already forced restaurants and toilets to close.
Brits should avoid travelling where possible, and follow the advice of the emergency services and local authorities. https://twitter.com/DHSCgovuk/status/1547121148072263680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1547121148072263680%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.joe.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fthousands-could-die-heatwave-hit-40-348488 It is worth noting that two COBRA meetings have already been held this week, in which senior government members devised a plan to manage the impacts of the extreme heat. The Prime Minister's spokesperson said "significant work" had already been done to prepare, and that contingency measures have been enacted.People are being urged to stay hydrated, look out for vulnerable people, keep curtains closed and stay out of the sun in the middle of the day.
How likely are we hit 40c?
It is the first time the Met Office has forecast 40C in the UK, with the current record high temperature being 38.7C, which was reached at Cambridge Botanic Garden on 25 July in 2019. The Met Office explained: "Weather forecast models are run numerous times to help us quantify the likelihood of a particular event occurring and estimate the uncertainty which is always present in weather forecasting to some degree. Some models are now producing a 50 per cent chance of maximum temperatures in excess of 40C in isolated parts of the UK for the start of next week. Mid, to high, 30s Celsius will be seen more widely with an 80% chance we will exceed the current record." Advice on staying safe from the experts A Level 4 UK Health Security Agency Heat Health Alert has been issued for Monday and Tuesday. These are only used when a heatwave is so severe, or prolonged "that its effects extend outside the health and social care system". At this level, illness may occur among the fit and healthy, and not just in high-risk groups. Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: “Heat-health alerts have now been issued to the majority of the country, with temperatures set to remain consistently high throughout the duration of the weekend and the start of next week. “It is important to keep yourself hydrated and to find shade where possible when UV rays are strongest, between 11am and 3pm. “If you have vulnerable family, friends and neighbours, make sure they are aware of how they can keep themselves protected from the warm weather.’’ Mel Clarke, customer service director for operations at National Highways, said: “It is always important to plan ahead for your journey and this advice is no different during periods of hot weather. Our advice is that everyone should check their vehicles, such as tyres, coolant and oil levels, before heading out.” Find out more about driving in hot weather with National Highways." Government advice is that 999 services should be used in emergencies only; seek advice from 111 if you need non-emergency health advice. [caption id="attachment_348549" align="alignnone" width="1516"]
Met Office advice on staying safe during the heatwave[/caption]
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