UK prepares for historic hot spell

Extreme Heat Warning – The Met Office have issued its first ever Red Extreme Heat Warning as a result of forecasts predicting temperatures likely to be between the high 30’s and 40°C.

The Red Extreme heat national severe weather warning will cover Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th July for parts of central, northern, eastern and south-eastern England.

An Amber Extreme heat warning has been in place for much of England and Wales for Sunday 17th, Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th July since earlier this week and have been extended to cover Cornwall, west Wales and parts of Southern Scotland.

Temperatures are expected to start to return closer to normal for the time of year from the middle of next week onwards as cooler air pushes across the country from the west. You can find the latest forecast on the Met Office website and Keep track of current weather warnings on the Met Office weather warning page.

Advice The Met Office have issued the following Tips for keeping cool in hot weather:

• Look out for those who you know have underlying health conditions and check that they are not having difficulties.
• If working outdoors Move into the shade whenever possible, especially when the sun is at its highest and UV rays are at their strongest.
• If working in the office or at home, close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler.
• Drink plenty of water to help avoid dehydration.
• Try not to stay in a closed, parked vehicle. This could put you more at risk of overheating.
• Keep your skin and head covered.
• Use a high factor sun block to protect areas of your skin exposed to the sun.
• Wear UV protective eyewear.
• In consultation with your line manager, try to re-plan any heavy works to cooler periods of the day, where possible.
• Monitor yourself and your colleagues for the early signs of heat stress.
• Check the latest weather forecast and temperature warnings.
• Get medical advice if you or anyone else feels unwell.

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