Met Office Issues Amber Extreme Heat Warning

THE MET OFFICE has issued an Amber Extreme Heat Warning for Sunday 17 July. Temperatures could be in excess of 35°C in the South East, and more widely around 32°C within the warning area.

These temperatures could extend into the early part of next week, and an extension of the warning is to be considered in the coming days.

Heat Warning

The Amber Warning follows the Level 3 UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Heat-health Alert issued on Friday 8 July for South Eastern areas, with much of the rest of England remaining under Level 2 alert.

The alert is in place until 9am on Friday 15 June, with temperatures across the country set to be high across the duration of the week.

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

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Rebekah Sherwin, said: “Today and tomorrow (Monday 11 and Tuesday 12), temperatures are likely to peak at 33°C in the South East, with warm weather likely to continue throughout this week.

“From Sunday and into Monday, temperatures are likely to be in excess of 35°C in the South East, although the details still remain uncertain. Elsewhere, temperatures could be fairly widely above 32°C in England and Wales, and in the mid-to-high 20s Celsius further north.”

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, commented: “Heat-health alerts have now been issued to the majority of the country, with temperatures set to remain consistently high throughout the duration of this week.

“Most of us can enjoy the hot weather when it arrives, but it is important to keep yourself hydrated and to find shade where possible when UV rays are strongest, between 11am and 3pm.”

The TUC has added its voice to calls for employers to be flexible in order to help workers cope with the heat.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:“We all love it when the sun comes out. But working in sweltering conditions in a baking shop or stifling office can be unbearable and dangerous.

“Indoor workplaces should be kept cool, with relaxed dress codes and flexible working to make use of the coolest hours of the day.

“And bosses must make sure outdoor workers are protected with regular breaks, lots of fluids, plenty of sunscreen and the right protective clothing.”

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