health chief has warned high temperature forecast could cause people to die while deputy prime minister Dominic Raab said people need to be resilient enough to “enjoy the sun.”
College of Paramedics chief executive Tracy Nicholls said the “savage heat” the UK is expected to experience in the coming days could have a detrimental effect on Britons.
Scorching temperatures are forecast for Monday, with Peterborough expected to reach 37C and Milton KeynesNorwich and Lincoln set to reach 36C – while temperatures reach 40C in . can reach London on Tuesday.
Climate Attribution Scientist at the With Officedr. Nikos Christidis, has said the 40C forecast is the result of climate change.
The forecaster issued an orange warning on Sunday for most of England, which then extends to southern Scotland and Wales from Monday to Tuesday.
The first warning of red extreme heat in the UK has also been issued by the forecaster across much of England from London to Manchester and York on Monday and Tuesday.
The UK Health Security Agency has also issued a level four heat warning, which is being described as a “national emergency”.
Ms Nicholls told Sky News’ Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme: “This is not like a lovely warm day where we can put on a little sunscreen, get out and enjoy a swim and a meal outside.
“This is some serious heat that could end up killing people because it’s so savage. We’re just not prepared for that kind of heat in this country.”
Her comments were made after Mr Raab said people should take precautions in anticipation of the record-breaking temperatures, but added they should be able to enjoy themselves.
“Of course there’s some common sense, practical advice we’re talking about — stay hydrated, stay out of the sun in the hottest times, wear sunscreen — that sort of thing,” he told Sophy Ridge On Sunday.
“We should be enjoying the sun and actually we should be resilient enough through some of the pressure it will exert.”
Ministers held a virtual emergency meeting on Saturday after meteorologists warned that record high temperatures could endanger lives.
Additional emergency assistance has been set up for ambulance services on Mondays and Tuesdays, such as more call handlers and extra working hours.
Transport services are expected to be disrupted on both days, with Cabinet Minister Kit Malthouse urging people not to travel.
Avanti West Coast and Transport for London urge passengers not to travel unless absolutely necessary.
The chairman of the NHS Confederation, meanwhile, said hospitals will be “really, really under pressure” in the coming days.
Lord Victor Adebowale said the NHS “will cope”, but added that “handling is not good enough”.
He told Times Radio: “My members are pretty stretched right now. Ambulances are running at their peak, waiting times for ambulances are now getting longer.
“The NHS will be able to handle it, but dealing with it is not good enough. We need to work so that people get the treatment they need, wherever they are needed, on time. And that is a struggle.”