A health chief has warned people could die in the ‘savage heat’, with temperatures increasingly likely to rise above 40°C in the coming days.
The UK’s first red warning of extreme heat was issued last week by the Met Office covering much of England from London to Manchester and York on Mondays and Tuesdays. The UK Health Security Agency has also issued a level four heat warning described as a ‘national emergency’.
College of Paramedics chief executive Tracy Nicholls told Sky News’s Sophy Ridge On Sunday program: “This isn’t like a lovely warm day where we can put on a little sunscreen, go outside 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.’
Experts have already warned about that UK could see thousands more deaths from extreme heat.
Met Office meteorologist Steven Keates said people should do “as little as possible” in the coming days.
He told The Telegraph that Britons should avoid strenuous exercise and unnecessary travel and “think carefully” about what to do on Monday and Tuesday.
Keates suggested working from home whenever possible, warning that “even fit and healthy people can be adversely affected by temperatures like this.”
He added: “Do as little as possible…because heat is exhausting and we are in somewhat unfamiliar territory.”
Their comments were made after Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab said people should take precautions in anticipation of the record-breaking temperatures, but added they should be able to enjoy themselves.
“Of course we’re talking common sense, practical advice — stay hydrated, stay out of the sun at the hottest times, wear sunscreen — that sort of thing,” he told Sophy Ridge On Sunday.
“We should be enjoying the sun and really we should be resilient enough to withstand the pressures it brings.”
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.
More than a dozen train companies are urging Britons not to travel early next week.
Some 21 operators – ranging from Transport for Wales and Gatwick Express to the Transpennine Express and Southern – said they will start offering a slower service Monday and Tuesday after National Rail put speed limits on its network.
Meanwhile, the AA warned that roads can melt and tires can burst in the scorching heat, with some municipalities deploying gritters to keep their highways from melting.
Elsewhere, the chairman of the NHS Confederation said hospitals will be “really, really under pressure” in the coming days.
Lord Victor Adebowale said the NHS ‘can handle it’ 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 isn’t good enough. We need to work so that people get the treatment they need, wherever they are needed, on time. And that’s a struggle.’
Schools in several counties, including Nottinghamshire and Hampshire, have confirmed they will be closing on Monday and Tuesday after the health warnings, while Milton Keynes University Hospital “discontinues routine outpatient appointments and surgeries” on those days.
Greater Manchester police begged people not to cool off in reservoirs, rivers or ponds after a teenager died swimming in a canal with friends.
The 16-year-old ran into trouble and was last seen in the water at Salford Quays in Greater Manchester around 6.15pm on Saturday.
A boy’s body was found overnight and officers believe it to be that of the missing teen.
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