“If we get to 40 degrees Celsius, that’s a very symbolic threshold and shows that climate change is with us now,” he said. “This is becoming much more likely because of climate change.” The UK’s Health Safety Agency has raised its heat warning from level three to level four – a “national emergency”. Level four is reached “when a heat wave is so severe and/or prolonged that its effects extend beyond the health and social care system… At this level, illness and death can occur among people who are fit and healthy, and not only high-risk groups,” he said.
“Substantial changes in the daily routine”
“Substantial disruption” is expected to transportation and energy supplies, while there may also be extensive damage to property and infrastructure, according to the Meteorological Service’s website. People will need to make “substantial changes to work practices and daily routines,” the weather service said. Britain will experience “road delays and road closures, along with delays and cancellations of rail and air travel, with significant welfare problems for those experiencing even moderate delays”.
