High heatwave temperatures not so much fun, but watch out, reports Geraint Vincent The UK is reeling as the first red warning for extreme heat came into force on Monday. Wales has already broken temperatures for its hottest day on record, with the mercury hitting 38.1C in Santon Downham, Suffolk, making it the hottest day of the year. Tuesday is forecast to be even hotter, with temperatures possibly reaching 41C in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. The existing UK record of 38.7C set in Cambridge in 2019 looks certain to fall amid the sweltering heat. The rise in temperatures prompted the UK’s Health Safety Executive to issue a level 4 heat warning – described as an “emergency” – while the Met Office issued the UK’s first red extreme heat warning, with both from Monday to Wednesday. People have been urged to take extra precautions during the heatwave, with the public not traveling unless necessary, carrying water at all times and watching for signs of heat exhaustion. Extreme heat is dangerous, but for the vulnerable it can be deadly, reports Sejal Karia Police also asked people to avoid cooling off in reservoirs, rivers or lakes after a 13-year-old in Northumbria, a 16-year-old in Maidenhead and a 16-year-old in Greater Manchester drowned while swimming in the open. The body of a 50-year-old man was recovered from Ardsley Reservoir, between Leeds and Wakefield, on Sunday. Mel Bloor reports that a 16-year-old boy has been found dead after drowning in a Maidenhead lake Drivers have been urged to travel at cooler times of the day, while passengers have been told to check their train service is running before travelling, as dozens of rail operators have canceled services or warned of delays. Luton Airport has reportedly been forced to divert flights after high temperatures melted the surface of its runway. Flying activity also ground to a halt at RAF Brize Norton amid the heatwave. Twelve fire engines had to be rushed to a large blaze at Lickey Hills Country Park on the outskirts of Birmingham after a blaze destroyed around 400 square meters of greenery. It comes after experts warned the fires could break out in the countryside as temperatures threaten to soar to 40C. ITV News Northern reporter Sangita Lal reports on the disruption the heat is causing to travel across the UK and how councils are preparing Met Office chief meteorologist Paul Davies warned Monday night would be “very oppressive” and it would be “difficult” to sleep in the heat. The top meteorologist said he was “really worried” about the UK reaching 40 or 41C on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Met Office climate scientist Dr Nikos Christidis said the 40s forecast is a result of climate change. People have been urged to avoid wasting water – particularly in their gardens. Social affairs correspondent Sarah Corker reports on how people are keeping cool in the heat Water demand reduction manager for Thames Water Andrew Tucker told customers to be careful with their water use as the heatwave has led to demand being at “almost record levels”. Mr Tucker told BBC Radio 4 that Thames Water was not currently considering any water restrictions, but this could change if there is little rainfall in the coming months. “Our appeal is basically ‘stay hydrated, take care of your health, but use water very very carefully and don’t waste it,’” he added. Want a quick and special update on the biggest news? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out what you need to know Ministers held a virtual emergency Cobra meeting on Saturday to put in place an emergency plan for the country after forecasters warned record high temperatures could put lives at risk. Boris Johnson faced criticism for not attending the meeting and instead spent the weekend partying at Chequers. Labor leader Lisa Nandey accused the outgoing prime minister and his ministers of “shutting down” during the UK’s first red extreme heat warning. Defending Mr Johnson, Cabinet Secretary Keith Malthouse told Sky News: “It’s my job to chair Cobra meetings. I informed him yesterday morning at about 8 am in person.” As the broadcaster showed aerial footage of Johnson with his guests at Chequers, Mr Malthouse said it was “totally unfair” to suggest the Prime Minister was cutting important meetings because he was leaving work soon. After the Cobra meeting, Health Minister Steve Barclay said emergency services had already started to see an increased volume of calls, but Tuesday afternoon was the “point of maximum concern” as the highest point of the heat wave was expected. Additional emergency support for ambulance services, such as more call operators and extra working hours, has been put in place. Britons are advised to carry water and sunscreen at all times. Credit: PA On Monday, Downing Street said the NHS was “coping well” with the extreme heat and no deaths had been reported centrally at this stage. However, University Hospital Milton Keynes canceled routine outpatient appointments and surgeries on Monday and Tuesday, and Lord Victor Adebowale, chairman of the NHS Confederation, told Times Radio that hospitals would be “really pressed” in the coming days. Schools in several counties, including Nottinghamshire and Hampshire, have confirmed they will not be open on Monday and Tuesday following the health warnings.
