Amber heat health alerts have been extended to cover northern England as the UK experiences its third heatwave of the year, with temperatures reaching 35C (95F) on Thursday. The alerts, which now cover almost all of England, indicate that the heat is likely to have a significant impact on health services and could cause travel disruption until 21:00 BST on Sunday.
NHS Under Pressure
NHS England has warned that many ambulance services are facing “sustained pressure” due to the heatwave. The public has been advised to take the heat seriously, especially for children, the elderly, and those with existing health conditions. The Royal College of Paramedics recommends drinking enough water, supporting vulnerable individuals with access to water and cooling systems, and avoiding sun exposure during peak hours from 12:00 to 16:00.
Travel Disruption Expected
Rail services have advised passengers to expect disruption, with several c2c trains suspended for the next two days. East Midlands Railway has advised passengers to avoid all but essential travel. West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway reported heat-related issues affecting some services early on Thursday. Operators South Western Railway and Great Western Railway have warned of similar disruption. Transport for Wales has imposed a speed restriction due to high track temperatures between Aberdare and Fernhill, with disruption expected until 21:30.
Temperature Records and Comparisons
While this heatwave is not expected to break daily temperature records, the Met Office noted that it is the eighth day this year where temperatures have reached or exceeded 34C. This surpasses the previous record for such days in a calendar year, set in 1976 and 2020. There were two such days in the May heatwave, four in June’s, and two so far in this one. A further temperature reading of 34C or over is expected on Friday. The worst of the heat is in southern and eastern England, where a heatwave was declared on Monday after five consecutive days at or above 30C.
Impact on Wimbledon
The heat has placed additional pressure on players and spectators at Wimbledon, where temperatures hit 35.1C in Wisley, Surrey on Thursday afternoon, approaching the record 35.7C seen at the London tennis championship in 2015. Additional water, electrolytes, iced towels, and umbrellas are being provided to players. A 10-minute break can be requested between sets if temperature and humidity pass a certain threshold.
Regional Temperature Readings
On Thursday, 30.4C was recorded in Cardiff, Wales; 27.0C in Aboyne, Scotland; and 25.0C in Killowen, Northern Ireland.
Electricity Grid Concerns
The UK’s electricity grid operator, Neso, has issued a request for more power to be made available during the heatwave. Extreme heat can reduce energy process efficiency and cause a spike in electricity demand due to increased use of air conditioning, freezers, and fridges. Neso’s notice warns of “tight electricity margins” on Thursday evening but does not suggest a risk of shortages or blackouts.
Safety Advice and Fire Risk
The Welsh Ambulance Service has warned that dehydration and fatigue from the heat could cause falls, and South Wales Fire and Rescue has advised extra caution around open water. Station manager Gavin Murphy cautioned: “Warm weather does not mean warm water, and cold water can affect your breathing and swimming ability very quickly.” The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) warned on Wednesday that dry and hot weather increases the risk of wildfires and advised against using disposable barbecues in open countryside, parks, and moorlands.
