A national state of emergency has been declared amid the threat of severe disruption as schools close, hospitals cancel appointments and events are cancelled. Last week saw high temperatures across Britain, but Met Office forecasters issued a red warning for Monday and Tuesday, suggesting the mercury could soar even higher. Find out the five-day forecast for your location
How to stay safe in the heat – official advice
Stay out of the sun between 11 A.M. and 3 p.m. and avoid physical exercise Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excessive alcohol Close the curtains in rooms facing the sun Never leave anyone in a parked car – and check on elderly and vulnerable neighbours Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat Check that medicines can be stored as directed – and check that your fridges, freezers and fans are working properly For more tips on how to stay cool, click here Experts say there is now an 80% chance of a new record temperature, surpassing the 38.7C (101.7F) set in 2019, and a 50% chance of highs exceeding 40C (104F). Read more: What a level 4 heatwave means for the UK In a stark and dramatic warning, Met Office chief Penny Endersby told a broadcast: “The extreme heat we are forecasting at the moment is absolutely unprecedented. “Here in the UK, we are used to treating a warm spell as an opportunity to go and play in the sun. This is not the weather. Our lifestyles and infrastructure are not adapted to what is coming. “Please take the warnings we issue as seriously as a red or orange wind or snow warning and follow the advice.” Her warning was echoed by the chief executive of the College of Paramedics, Tracey Nicholls, who said the “savage heat” the UK is forecast to experience in the coming days could lead to deaths. He told Sky News’ Sophy Ridge On Sunday: “It’s not like a lovely warm day where we can put on some sunscreen, go out and have a swim and a meal out. “This is serious heat that could actually, ultimately, result in people dying because it’s so fierce. We’re just not prepared for that kind of heat in this country.” The UK’s Health Safety Agency raised its heat health warning to Level 4 – a “national emergency” – on Friday. Level 4 is achieved when “a heat wave is so severe and/or prolonged that its effects extend beyond the health and social care system”. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 1:52 Doctors’ top tips for staying calm The Met Office has issued an orange extreme heat warning for the majority of England, extending into southern Scotland and Wales from Monday to Tuesday. A red alert has also been issued across much of England, from London to Manchester and York on Monday and Tuesday. Read more: Why Britain’s cities need a radical overhaul Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 1:12 Expert sleep tips for hot nights The UK’s scorching heat has been blamed on climate change by a number of scientists. Met Office climate performance scientist Dr Nikos Christidis said Tuesday’s forecast of over 40C is a result of our changing climate. Read more: ‘It’s no longer denial… it’s here’ – Why climate change will make this heat wave more dangerous
