The Met Office has urged residents in 50 areas across the UK to prepare batteries and torches as a scorching heatwave threatens to cause power cuts. The extreme heat alert, covering parts of England and Wales, comes into effect at 9am on Wednesday and lasts until 9pm on Thursday, with temperatures widely expected to exceed 30C and potentially peak at 39C.
Extreme Heat Alerts Issued
The Met Office has issued red and amber heat warnings for Wednesday and Thursday. The forecaster warned that the sweltering conditions could cause "heat-sensitive systems and equipment" to break down, resulting in "power cuts and the loss of other services to homes and businesses". Overnight temperatures are also expected to remain above 20C, adding to the strain on infrastructure.
According to the Met Office, June's all-time daily record temperature is forecast to be broken during this event. The warnings are in place from 9am on Wednesday until 9pm on Thursday.
Preparation Advice for Households
In the event of a power cut, the Met Office stresses the importance of having multiple torches and extra batteries. The agency also issued the following advice:
- If electricity is crucial for any medical equipment, contact your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) to be placed on their Priority Register for assistance during a power outage.
- Keep your mobile phone charged to make emergency calls.
- Keep fridges and freezers closed, with a blanket over them, as they will stay cold for many hours.
- Keep important documents safe and handy.
- Look out for elderly neighbours and ensure they are prepared for a possible power cut.
- Switch off appliances such as irons, ovens, electric fires, and fryers, as they could pose a hazard if power returns unexpectedly.
- For those using a digital landline without a mobile phone or in an area with poor mobile signal, speak to your communications provider about additional support.
Areas Under Extreme Heat Warning
The 50 areas under the extreme heat warning include:
East Midlands
- Northamptonshire
East of England
- Bedford, Cambridgeshire, Central Bedfordshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Luton, Thurrock
London & 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, Wokingham
South West England
- Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, Dorset, Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, Wiltshire
Wales
- Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen, Vale of Glamorgan
West Midlands
- Herefordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands Conurbation, Worcestershire
The Met Office continues to monitor the situation and advises residents in these areas to stay updated and prepare accordingly.
