The Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning for Wednesday and Thursday, covering southern Wales and parts of England, as extreme heat and humidity pose a risk to life. The warning includes areas from Swansea in Wales across to London, Somerset, Birmingham, and southern Cambridgeshire.
The UK Health Security Agency has also issued a red heat health alert for six English regions: West Midlands, East Midlands, south-east, south-west, London, and east of England. This alert, effective from 1am Wednesday to 11pm Thursday, indicates a risk to life even for healthy individuals. It is only the second such alert ever issued, the first being in July 2022 when temperatures exceeded 40°C.
Forecasters predict temperatures in the shade could exceed 37°C, possibly reaching 38-40°C in some places, accompanied by high humidity. The amber warning covers most of the rest of Wales and England, extending to Cornwall, Yorkshire, and Lancashire. The red warning signifies dangerous weather requiring immediate action to protect life, with substantial disruption expected to travel, energy supplies, and infrastructure.
Experts warn that the UK's infrastructure is not built for such conditions. Professor Bill McGuire of University College London noted that temperatures above 43°C are possible, leading to risks like power cuts, transport chaos, and overwhelmed hospitals. Rail services, including the Elizabeth line and Overground, are likely to face speed restrictions and reduced services. Some schools, such as Kingdown School in Warminster, are closing early this week to ensure safety.
