Record-Breaking Heat Prompts Health Warnings
The London Ambulance Service (LAS) has issued urgent advice for people to drink responsibly and avoid exercising outdoors as the UK experiences a severe heatwave, with temperatures reaching a provisional record of 36.7°C in Merryfield, Somerset, on Thursday afternoon, according to the Met Office.
Craig Harman, chief operating officer of LAS, warned that demand for emergency services is expected to increase day by day. He urged the public to drink plenty of water, especially between alcoholic beverages, and to stay out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day.
Critical Incidents Declared at Hospitals
Several hospitals have declared critical incidents due to the heat. University Hospital Southampton cancelled planned operations and outpatient appointments, while Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust declared critical incidents on Wednesday.
LAS responded to its highest number of life-threatening emergencies on Wednesday, with a 50% increase in such calls compared to a typical Wednesday in June. Cardiac arrests rose by 30%.
Transport Disruptions and Wildfires
Transport services have been disrupted, with one rail operator advising against beach trips. A 50-year-old man died after entering the water at Aberavon beach in Wales on Wednesday. Firefighters in Derbyshire battled a 500-square-metre wildfire on Tintwistle Moor.
Red Warning Extended for Third Consecutive Day
The Met Office extended its rare red warning for extreme heat until 9pm on Friday for London and parts of east and southeast England, including Oxfordshire, Bedfordshire, Hampshire, and Kent. This marks the first time red heat warnings have been issued for three consecutive days. Amber warnings cover a wider area on Friday and extend into Saturday for parts of east and southeast England.
Annie Shuttleworth, a Met Office meteorologist, said lightning is likely in the southwest on Thursday night, with rain in northern areas on Friday morning. Eastern England will see the highest temperatures on Friday, but conditions are expected to cool down over the weekend.
Record Temperatures Across the UK
Wales recorded its hottest June day on Thursday with 35.9°C in Cardiff, while Northern Ireland matched its previous June record of 30.8°C in Castlederg.
Electricity Grid Under Strain
The National Energy System Operator (NESO) issued an electricity margin notice for Friday evening, calling for additional capacity. A NESO spokesperson said the notice is a routine tool and does not mean supply is at risk.
London Mayor Calls for Air Conditioning
London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan urged the rollout of air conditioning in schools, offices, and hospitals as the city adapts to more frequent heatwaves, launching the capital's first heat plan.
The current heatwave is driven by a 'heat dome' of high pressure over western Europe, exacerbated by human-driven climate change from burning fossil fuels.
