TRAIN TOURS
The Met Office says train delays and cancellations are possible with “potential for significant welfare problems for those experiencing even moderate delays.”
And Network Rail has warned people to travel only if absolutely necessary amid the high temperatures, with speed limits and disruptions likely.
Jake Kelly, Group Director of Network Rail System Operator, said: ‘Rail passengers in England and Wales should only travel as needed on Mondays and Tuesdays as there will be delays and cancellations of train services due to the unprecedented heat we expect.
“The well-being of our passengers is our number one priority, so we ask all passengers who decide to travel to take the time to prepare before leaving the house.”
Network Rail has warned services in the UK may be subject to speed limits to prevent the tracks from kinking, with Avanti West Coast, South Western Railway and Heathrow Express among operators warning of possible disruption. West Midlands Trains and London Northwestern Railway have already placed restrictions on parts of their network this week.
WEIGH
The Met Office says delays on roads and road closures are possible during the heat warning period.
The RAC has urged motorists to ‘think carefully before driving and do everything they can to avoid a breakdown’. It says motorists should check the coolant and oil levels under the hood when the engine is cold.
It added: ‘If temperatures were to get as high as around 40C, as some predict, then people would have to question their decision to drive in the first place.’
Hampshire County Council is preparing to deploy gritters in response to melting roads, saying the machines will spread light sand dust that ‘acts like a sponge to soak up excess bitumen’.
Drivers who find tar on their tires are advised to wash it off with warm soapy water.
AIRPORTS
The Met Office has warned that air travel during the heat could also cause disruption. This is because planes can become too heavy to take off in very hot weather due to reduced air density, resulting in a lack of lift.
This happened during a summer 2018 heat wave at London City Airport when some passengers had to be removed so that services became light enough to take off on the relatively short runway.
TOOLS
The Met Office has warned that a failure of “heat-sensitive systems and equipment” is possible. This can lead to power outages and other essential services, such as water, electricity and gas.
Warm weather can lead to high demand for the electricity grid as people turn on fans and air conditioning – and the heat can also lead to a drop in the efficiency of overhead power cables and transformers.
WORKSHOPS
The Met Office says “changes in working practices and daily routines will be needed” in the extreme heat.
There is no specific law for a maximum operating temperature, or when it is too hot to work.
But employers are expected to ensure that in offices or similar environments, the temperature in workplaces must be ‘reasonable’. Businesses must follow health and safety laws, including keeping the temperature at a comfortable level, known as “thermal comfort”; and provide clean and fresh air.
The Trade Union Congress says that during heat waves, employees should be able to work earlier or stay later, leave coats and ties in the closet and take regular breaks. It also calls for an absolute maximum indoor temperature of 30C (86F) – or 27C (81F) for strenuous jobs – to legally signal when work must stop.
HEALTH
The Met Office has said adverse health effects “can be experienced by anyone, not just limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat, leading to serious illness or death” during the warning period.
In addition, the charity Asthma and Lung UK has warned that up to three million asthmatics may suffer from high pollen levels, so they should use their inhalers.
SCHOOLS
Plans to cope with the heat created by the NHS and UKHSA say children should not engage in ‘vigorous physical activity’ if temperatures rise above 30C (86F).
Some sports days have been canceled this week, while official advice suggests moving school start, end and break times to avoid the hottest points of the day.