According to preliminary Met Office data, the UK is getting its warmest day on record, with the temperature hitting 40.2C at Heathrow. Meteorologists also predict that today’s high temperatures, which might reach 42C, will have a major negative impact on people’s health.
Much of England is under the first-ever red heat warning in the UK, and residents are being warned to remain cool and drink as much water as they can. After many persons were reported to have drowned while attempting to escape the heat, there are cautions about the risks associated with entering open water.
For anyone going within the “red zone” of the Met Office’s weather warning, Network Rail has issued a “do not travel” alert. Age UK has issued a warning that older individuals are more susceptible to dehydration and overheating and has implored the public to check on senior friends or family.
After numerous people lost their lives trying to escape the heat by swimming in open water, police issued a warning about the dangers of doing so. As temperatures rise and more call handlers are employed to manage an increase in 999 calls, there have been warnings of pressure on hospitals and ambulance services.
The previous high temperature was 38.7C in Cambridge in July 2019.
