Britain is experiencing its third heatwave of the year, with temperatures intensifying to 36C (97F) and forecasters suggesting it could surpass the 16-day record set in 1976. Parts of south-east England have been officially in a heatwave since Saturday, and this condition is expected to persist well into next week.
The current heatwave is forecast to peak on Tuesday and Wednesday with highs of 36C in the South-East, before slightly easing to around 30C over the weekend and 28C early next week. These temperatures still meet the heatwave threshold, defined as at least three consecutive days with temperatures at or above 28C in London, and 25C in other regions.
From next week, an easterly wind is expected to bring slightly cooler but dry conditions to the South-East, while the hottest weather may shift towards the South-West, with the potential for thunderstorms.
This extended period of hot weather follows a trend of record-breaking temperatures, with western Europe experiencing its hottest June and the UK recording its hottest ever May and June.
Rail services are facing significant disruption. East Midlands Railway (EMR) has issued an 'essential travel only' warning, urging passengers to travel before midday to avoid the highest temperatures. Some regional services have been suspended during peak heat. Other operators, including Great Western Railway, c2c, and South Western Railway, are also running amended services due to the heat's impact on the railway infrastructure, such as rails buckling and overhead wires sagging.
Health and Fire Warnings Issued
Amber heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency for the Midlands and southern England, effective from Wednesday. These alerts signify likely 'significant impacts' on health and social care services. Officials have warned of a potential rise in deaths, particularly among the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. Yellow alerts are in place for northern England.
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has also issued a warning about the increasing risk of wildfires due to the hot and dry conditions. They advise against using disposable barbecues in open countryside, parks, and moorlands, as many wildfires are started by discarded cigarettes, glass bottles, or barbecues.
Water Restrictions and Safety Concerns
Water companies are implementing restrictions. South East Water has imposed a hosepipe ban for 850,000 customers in Kent, which came into effect on Friday. Southern Water will introduce a similar ban for one million people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight on Saturday. Thames Water has asked its 16 million customers to stop using hosepipes but has not yet imposed a ban. Anglian Water has also requested customers conserve water and avoid using hosepipes.
Emergency services are also reiterating warnings about the dangers of open water. The RNLI has reported nearly 30 deaths related to water incidents during previous heatwaves and urges families to share safety advice. Cold water shock can occur even in warmer weather, leading to uncontrollable gasping and increased heart rate, which can quickly result in drowning. Safety advice includes entering the water slowly and practicing the 'float to live' technique if in difficulty.