Britons have been warned that extreme heat this weekend will wreak havoc on roads and transport networks as officials issue ‘dangerous’ warnings. For the first time in UK history, government forecasters have refused to rule out temperatures as high as 40°C, although the -30°C high is more likely, they say.
However, weather models continue to quote 40C-plus maximums, raising warnings to stay out of the sun and withstand cooling in rivers and waterways.
Met Office spokesman Stephen Dixon said: “As of Sunday, with the extreme heat warning in effect, temperatures could rise above 35C in parts and 32C elsewhere.
“While it is unlikely, reaching higher temperatures cannot be ruled out.”
The Met Office, together with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has issued a Level 3 ‘heat wave action’ health warning in southern and parts of central England.
A separate level 2 alert and readiness warning is in effect in central and northern Britain this week.
The alert level is one step below a level 4 ‘national emergency’ – launched when ‘illness and death can occur in the fit and healthy’.
Expressonline contacted the UK Health Security Agency last night to confirm the likelihood of a rise in the alert level. It has yet to respond.
Forecasters agree that temperatures could break records in the coming days, although extreme heat “could be deadly.”
Jim Dale, meteorologist for British Weather Services, said: “There’s about a 50/50 chance of the current record 38.7C toppling during this warm weather, and about a 25 per cent chance of reaching 40C.
“While we may just be shy about hitting this, it’s not out of the question.
“There is no doubt that these temperatures can be dangerous and make no mistake, this kind of heat can be deadly.”
Brits are warned to take extra care when exercising and to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
London-based health and wellness coach Ryan French, founder of Military Outdoor Fitness (MOFit), said: “Avoid exercising during the hottest part of the day and remember to stay hydrated – about three to five liters a day is ideal.
“If you’re training outdoors, aim to do it early and stay in the shade.”
The Met Office issued a rare amber warning of ‘extreme heat’ in southern and central Britain from midnight Saturday to Sunday.
Aside from a heat health warning, it warns of “serious illness” and “life hazard” as Britain simmers at temperatures more typical of tropical climates.
The mercury will reach 33°C today for a brief lull and another wave for the weekend.
Meteorologist Rebekah Sherwin, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “Tempers are likely to peak at 33°C in the southeast, and warm weather is likely to continue this week.
“Looks like it will increase late this week and early next week.
“From Sunday to Monday, temperatures in the southeast are likely to exceed 35C.
“Elsewhere, temperatures in England and Wales can be quite well above 32°C, and further north in the mid to high 20°C range.”
dr. Agostinho Sousa, head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, added: “Heat warnings have now been issued throughout most of the country, with temperatures set to remain consistently high this week.”
Exacta Weather Forecaster James Madden added: “Tempers will drop slightly in the middle of the week and then rise before the weekend.
“We now expect temperatures above 35C. 40C may be just out of range, but high -30Cs are possible.”