Heatwave: Extreme heat could mean highs of 40ºC in parts of region

For the first time the Met Office have issued a 'RED HEAT WARNING' for parts of the UK.

The warning area, that covers parts of North Yorkshire, suggests temperatures of up to 40ºC. Seeing temperatures that high would also be a first for the UK since records began.

Heat warnings - Extreme temperatures forecast

The exceptional heat is forecast to affect a large part of England on Monday and Tuesday.

An AMBER HEAT WARNING is also in place across most of the Tyne Tees region. Just eastern coastal areas are currently excluded- but even here it will be hot.

There is a 50% chance of the 40C barrier broken somewhere in the red warning zone, which has never happened before.

The Met Office, which has issued the red warning, advises people “should take action now to keep yourself and others safe” and avoid travelling, where possible.

“Substantial disruption” is expected to travel and energy supplies, while there may also be widespread damage to property and infrastructure, according to the Met Office’s website.

Since Monday, parts of the UK had been issued an amber warning, indicating there could be a danger to life or potential serious illness.

The current temperature record for the region is 34.5 C recorded at Leeming in North Yorkshire on 25th July 2019. That record is now looking likely to be broken.

What's the danger?

The extreme weather has already increased the strain on hospital and train services.

Cabinet Office minister Kit Malthouse has said the government is preparing for a “surge” in demand on the NHS and other services due to the expected heatwave.

Weather Presenter Sally Williams explains what heatwaves are and what you can do to stay cool

After chairing a meeting of the Cobra civil contingencies committee in Whitehall, Mr Malthouse urged the public to look out for people who were particularly vulnerable in the heat.

Heatwaves have been made hotter, longer and more frequent by climate change, and experts have warned of the need to adapt homes and cities in the UK for a future of more intense – and deadly – summer heat.

Ambulance services are already on the highest level of alert as difficulties with the hot weather combine with Covid-19 absences among staff and ongoing delays handing patients over to A&E.

You can find more details on how to deal with the extreme heat here.