The Met Office has warned that extreme heat on Sunday (July 17) may lead to potential serious illness or danger to life.
A rare amber weather warning has been issued for the whole day and is expected to be extended into next week. Temperatures are forecast to reach around 32C across parts of the UK, including much of Wales east of Swansea.
A persistent area of high pressure centred over the southern half of the UK is responsible for this week's warm weather. Developing airflow from the south is forecast to bring across the very high temperatures currently building over the continent.
READ MORE: How long did the 1976 heatwave last and how hot did it get?
What is an extreme heat warning?
The Met Office uses a traffic light system when it issues warnings for rain, thunderstorms, wind, snow, lightning, ice, fog and – since last year – extreme heat. Alerts range from yellow, meaning 'be aware', to red, meaning 'take immediate action'.
An amber warning is between these two levels, meaning 'consider changing plans and taking action' to protect yourself and your property. The colour code is issued in addition to specific guidance about the expected level, and likelihood, of impact.
In the case of Sunday's amber warning, the Met Office has said we can expect:
- Population-wide adverse health effects, not limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat, leading to potential serious illness or danger to life
- Substantial changes in working practices and daily routines
- Increased risk of water safety incidents as significantly more people visit coastal areas, lakes and rivers
- Delays on roads and road closures, along with delays and cancellations to rail and air travel, with potential for significant welfare issues for those who experience even moderate delays
More information about weather warnings can be found on the Met Office website.
What should I do during an extreme heat warning?
The NHS says the main health risks posed by extreme heat are dehydration, overheating and heat exhaustion. While a heatwave can affect anyone, among the most vulnerable are: people aged over 75; people who live on their own or in a care home; people with a serious or long-term illness; people who find it hard to keep cool (eg babies); and people who spent a lot of time outside (eg homeless people).
Tips for keeping cool in hot weather include:
- Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
- Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm
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Avoid exercising during the hottest parts of the day
- Close curtains in rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cool
- Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen regularly and wear a wide-brimmed hat if you have to go out in the heat
- Take water with you if travelling
- Never leave anyone in a closed, parked car
- Take care if going into open water to cool down
- Look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated
The UK government has said 999 services should be used in emergencies only, while non-emergency health advice can be sought by calling 111. More information about how to cope in hot weather can be found on the NHS website.
When was the last extreme heat warning?
The Met Office has only issued an extreme heat warning twice before. The first two alerts, both amber, came almost a year ago – July 19 and 20, 2021 – a month after the forecaster's extreme heat warning service was launched.
The UK's current record high temperature was recorded two years earlier on July 25, when the mercury at Cambridge Botanic Garden rose to 38.7C. Some models have suggested temperatures could climb above 40C this weekend, although meteorologists warn it is too early to say for sure.
Heatwaves are expected to become more frequent and more intense due to the effects of climate change. Dr Mark McCarthy, head of the Met Office National Climate Information Centre, said: “The highest temperatures experienced in the UK tend to occur when our weather is influenced by air masses from continental Europe or North Africa – as it will be at the weekend - there is already a strongly-embedded warming due to climate change across the continent, that is increasing the likelihood of challenging the existing UK temperature record.”
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