A rare red weather warning for extreme heat has been issued across parts of England and Wales, with temperatures expected to hit 40C – close to the UK’s all-time record of 40.3C set in July 2022. The Met Office alert, in force from 9am on Wednesday until 9pm on Thursday, covers London, the Midlands, south-east Wales and southern England, and warns of “significant disruption” to daily life, travel, and a “danger to life” even for the healthy.
The heat will be compounded by high humidity and “tropical nights”, with overnight temperatures not falling below 21C or 22C, reducing the ability to recover. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued its own red heat health alert for six English regions – the West Midlands, East Midlands, South East, South West, London, and East of England – from 1am Wednesday to 11pm Thursday. Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: “It is vitally important that people understand the risk posed by high temperatures like these, and take steps to keep themselves and their friends, families and neighbours safe.”
“Met Office issues rare red warning as UK braves 40C heat, with risk to life and widespread disruption.”
As the mercury climbs – with highs of 37C forecast for southern England on Tuesday and at least 39C on Wednesday and Thursday – schools have begun planning early closures. The government does not normally advise shutting schools, but some have already announced they will finish early. On the transport front, National Rail warned passengers to check journeys, allow extra time and carry water, with the Met Office cautioning that tarmac could melt.
Local councils have introduced early bin collections to protect crews from the searing sun. Cheltenham Borough Council, Southend-on-Sea Council and Somerset Council will start collections at 6am instead of 7am, while Bristol Waste crews will begin at 5am. Residents have been urged to put bins out the night before to avoid missing collection. “This is to help our crews and vehicles cope in the heat,” said Cheltenham councillor Steve Harvey.
Pet owners are also being warned. Dr Rhian Littlehales, clinical governance director at Medivet and Partners, advised watching for symptoms of heatstroke – including staggering, weakness or collapsing – and said: “If you spot any of the symptoms of heatstroke – remember ‘Wet then Vet’. It is important to first soak your pet with cool water … and contact your vet.” She urged walks in the early morning or evening, when the ground is cooler.
Meanwhile, the NHS has reminded the public of the “30 minute rule” for heat exhaustion: if symptoms such as dizziness, nausea or confusion do not improve within half an hour of resting in a cool place and drinking fluids, call 999. Heatstroke is a medical emergency.
Met Office meteorologist Simon Partridge said: “Wednesday and Thursday both reach 38C, but there’s potential for it to go higher.” The amber warning – also serious – covers much of the rest of England and Wales from Monday through Thursday. The extreme heat is expected to ease by the weekend, but forecasters warn the coming days will test the country’s resilience like never before.