The government’s Cobra emergency committee met to discuss how to deal with the expected pressure on the health service as record temperatures could be reached in the country on Monday and Tuesday.
This is because a new wave of COVID-19 cases has flooded hospitals that are still struggling to recover from the pandemic.
Cabinet Minister Kit Malthouse admitted that a “rise in demand” was expected.
Speaking to Radio 4, Mr Malthouse confirmed that the government plans to reach 40°C, despite forecasters’ prediction that it has a 10 per cent or less chance.
According to the official forecast, temperatures will peak in the mid-1930s, The Times reported.
He said: “We know that in the heat, especially the extreme heat — and there’s a possibility we could hit an all-time record — your cardiovascular system has to work overtime to stay cool, especially for older people and the very young. .
“We’re asking people if they have an elderly neighbor, especially one who lives alone, that it would be a good thing to check and make sure they take care of themselves and have access to water.”
There are currently 13,000 in hospital with Covid, adding further pressure.
The highest temperature ever recorded in the UK was in 2019, when the mercury reached 38.7C in Cambridge.
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“Due to the heat and an increase in Covid, colleagues have witnessed increased delays for acutely ill patients and hospitals are not designed to cope with sustained high temperatures.”
Charity Director at Age UK Caroline Abrahams issued some warnings to those with elderly relatives or neighbours.
She said: “I’ve heard some people defecate about the risks of the heat wave, but the evidence is crystal clear that as we age our bodies find it harder to cope with extreme heat and cold.
“Any older person who is already dealing with serious health problems, especially if they affect their heart or their lungs, will find the coming heat wave a challenge.”