Weather forecasters have issued the unprecedented Level 4 warning for Monday July 18 and Tuesday July 19 as the UK continues to bake in a heat wave. The With Office warned of a “possibly very serious situation” as temperatures continue to rise to record highs.
Grahame Madge, spokesman for the Met Office, said: “We have just issued a red warning of extreme heat for Monday and Tuesday, the first warning ever.
“The warning covers an area from London to Manchester and then to the Vale of York.
“This is potentially a very serious situation.”
In the warning, forecasters said the “exceptional heat wave” would lead to “widespread impacts on people and infrastructure” and warned that the extreme heat could lead to “serious illness or death.”
The Met Office said on their website: “Exceptional, perhaps record-breaking temperatures are likely on Monday and then again on Tuesday.
“Nights are also likely to be exceptionally warm for the UK, especially in urban areas. This is likely to lead to widespread impacts on people and infrastructure.”
READ MORE: BBC Weather: Brits brace for record-breaking 40°C heat
“Currently, there is a 50% chance that we will be able to see temperatures above 40°C and an 80% chance that we will see a new maximum temperature reach.
“The nights are also likely to be exceptionally warm, especially in urban areas. This is likely to lead to widespread impacts on people and infrastructure.
“That’s why it’s important for people to plan for the heat and consider changing their routines. This level of heat can have adverse health effects.”
Earlier this week, the UK Health Security Agency and the Met Office issued a level 3 heat health warning for some parts of the country, forcing social and health services to take additional measures to protect the vulnerable.
The Level 4 red warning is described on the Met office website as being achieved “when a heat wave is so severe and/or prolonged that its effects extend beyond the health and social care system. At this level, illness and death can occur among fit and healthy, and not just in risk groups”.
It reads: “Dangerous weather is expected and if you have not already done so, take action now to protect yourself and others from the effects of the severe weather.
“It is very likely that there will be a life-threatening situation, with significant disruption to travel, energy supplies and possible widespread damage to property and infrastructure. You should avoid travel where possible and follow the advice of emergency services and local authorities.”
In its heat wave plan, the UK government says a national emergency can be declared “when a heat wave is so severe and/or long-lasting that its effects extend beyond the health and social care system”.
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