The Met Office has issued a red weather warning for 50 areas across the UK, as temperatures could exceed 38°C this week. The extreme heat alert is in place on Wednesday and Thursday, following amber warnings on Monday and Tuesday. Humid conditions are forecast, alongside potentially tropical nights.
Red Warning Details
The red warning signals an "exceptional spell of hot and humid weather," according to the Met Office. The scorching temperatures have sparked concern for vulnerable people, who could face serious illness. The Met Office also said substantial changes in working practices and daily routines should be expected. There could be delays on roads, along with cancellations to rail and air travel.
Areas Under Red Warning
The red warning covers 50 areas across England and Wales. In the East Midlands: Northamptonshire. In the East of England: Bedford, Cambridgeshire, Central Bedfordshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Luton, and Thurrock. In London and South East England: Bracknell Forest, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, Greater London, Hampshire, Kent, Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire, Reading, Slough, Surrey, West Berkshire, West Sussex, Windsor and Maidenhead, and Wokingham. In South West England: Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, Dorset, Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, and Wiltshire. In Wales: Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen, and Vale of Glamorgan. In the West Midlands: Herefordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands Conurbation, and Worcestershire.
Merseyside Amber Warning
Merseyside remains under an amber alert from Wednesday until Thursday. The Met Office said: "Hot and humid weather is expected to continue through the middle of the week, with exceptionally warm temperatures both day and night."
Safety Advice
Met Office meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey said: “I’m sure many of us will be wanting to get outside and enjoying some of this heat, but it certainly is worth taking care as we could see some impacts around. Water safety as well is going to be paramount if you are by the coast or other water bodies in land as well, and do follow the safety advice of relative authorities in order to avoid the cold water shock when you are heading into any water areas.”
People should stay alert and keep hydrated during the hot weather. There is set to be significantly more people visiting beaches and coastal towns, which can often mean an increase in water safety incidents.
