Amber Extreme Heat Warning Issued for This Week

An Amber Extreme Heat warning has been issued by the Met Office with temperatures likely to peak around 37°C in places.

The warning will be in force through much of Thursday 13 August and covers parts of southern and eastern England, as well as parts of the Midlands.

Met Office Chief Forecaster Chris Bulmer said: “While the peak heat will be more short-lived than recent heatwaves, temperatures widely into the mid-30s Celsius on Thursday brings the potential for impacts for some, which is why a Met Office warning has been issued.

“High pressure is now becoming dominant and temperatures will build day-by-day. Southerly and south-easterly winds will also tap into the hot conditions over Europe which helps develop this further notable heat in what has been a hot and dry summer so far for many in the south of the UK.”

The Met Office warning highlights likely health impacts, as well as potential water safety incidents and travel disruption. Some heat sensitive systems and equipment may also be disrupted, with the potential for power cuts in places.

The main exception to the dominant warm and sunny conditions this week will be north and northwest of Scotland, and at times parts of Northern Ireland, which will continue to see the influence of showery rain from the west at times.

Staying Safe in the Heat

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which looks at health impacts in England, has issued Heat Health Alerts, with forecast temperatures likely to cause an increased demand on health and social care services.

William Spencer, Climate and First Aid Expert at the British Red Cross, said: “While periods of hot weather have become more familiar in recent years, they can still pose serious risks to health. In fact, after prolonged dry and warm conditions, it is more important than ever to follow heat safety advice.

“Simple steps such as wearing sunscreen, drinking plenty of fluids, seeking shade during the hottest parts of the day and taking regular breaks from the sun can help protect you and those around you. It’s also important to look out for the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, particularly among people who may be more vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat.”

Working Outdoors

Outdoor workers, including roofers, are also being reminded of the dangers of sun exposure and are advised to take special precaution when working outside for long periods of time.

Roofing employers can protect their employees in the heat by:

• • Allowing operatives to take frequent breaks and provide a supply of drinking water.
  • Reviewing working times so that outside work is done in the morning and afternoon, rather than between 11am-3pm when temperatures are highest.
  • Providing canopies or covering over open areas on construction sites to provide shaded areas for working and taking breaks.
  • Ensuring that outdoor workers are supplied with sunscreen and are given advice on the need to protect themselves from the heat and sun.
  • Providing lightweight brimmed hats for all outdoor workers and making sure that any protective clothing is lightweight, long-sleeved and comfortable, but dense enough to prevent UV rays from getting through.
  • Providing information on avoiding exposure to harmful UV radiation and the risks of skin cancer entailed, ensuring that advice is available in other languages when required.

Find more hot weather advice as part of WeatherReady.

>> Read about more heat alerts in the news