Hot weather: Amber heat warning in place as country braces for record temperatures - BBC

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An amber warning for extreme heat has begun for England and parts of Wales as the UK braces for record temperatures.

The Met Office warning will extend to southern Scotland from Monday until Tuesday, when England's alert will rise to red for the first time.

Network Rail and Transport for London have warned people to only travel if necessary on these days.

A national emergency has been declared, with temperatures possibly reaching 41C (106F).

That would be the highest temperature ever recorded in the UK - above the current high of 38.7C set in Cambridge in 2019.

The amber warning means health problems are more likely for some; substantial changes are required to work and routines; water safety incidents could increase as people head to the coast, lakes and rivers; and transport delays are possible, with worries for those caught up in them.

Extra measures are being put in place by the government - more ambulance call handlers and extra capacity for the 111 helpline are planned for Monday and Tuesday.

People have been asked to look out for vulnerable relatives and neighbours who may be suffering in the heat.

• NI high temperature could be topped
• Hot weather in Wales hits Covid jab clinics and rail travel
• Scotland heat warning could be extended - minister

The government held an emergency Cobra meeting on Saturday to look at dealing with the heatwave. Labour criticised the prime minister for reportedly not attending, and for his plans to host a private lunch at Chequers on Sunday for some Conservative MPs.

Deputy leader Angela Rayner said Boris Johnson was "preparing to party while Britain boils. Missing in action again".

Network Rail and Transport for London warned services were likely to be impacted by the extreme heat and customers should expect delays, cancellations and short notice changes to services.

Customers have been advised to carry water with them and not to board trains or buses if they feel unwell.

Meanwhile, amid the Tory leadership race, Alok Sharma, president for United Nations climate change summit COP26, said he would not rule out resigning if the prime ministerial candidates were weak on "net zero" - the government's plans to cut climate-damaging carbon emissions.

The five Conservative leadership candidates have expressed varied levels of commitment to the policy.

In an interview with the Observer, Mr Sharma said some of those standing had been "lukewarm" on net zero and that the policy would be essential to prevent "incredible damage" to the country's global standing. "I don't rule anything out and I don't rule anything in," he said, when pressed on whether he could resign over the issue.

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The Met Office red warning - the highest level - is for extreme heat and covers an area including London, Manchester and York on Monday and Tuesday.

It is the first time it has been issued since the warning system for heat started last year.

Elsewhere:

• Some schools will also close early next week and some hospital appointments will be cancelled
• In east Kent, hundreds of people were left with either no water or low pressure on Saturday after a power failure on Friday evening
• There are concerns for safety as people head to rivers, beaches and canals. A teenage boy died after getting into the water at a quarry in Lancashire last week.
• In Europe, deadly wildfires have broken out in Portugal, Spain and southwestern France
• Firefighters have urged people to choose picnics over barbeques because of the risk of wildfires

BBC Weather forecaster Susan Powell said the situation was unprecedented.

She said there was an 80% chance the UK would break its current highest temperature record. Temperatures could reach as high as 41C in England on Monday, with 38C quite widely across England and Wales.

Tuesday is set to see highs of 40C, or above, in eastern England. Northern Ireland and Scotland could also see their temperature records broken, she said.

On top of that, the temperature overnight on Monday into Tuesday could also hit a new peak - with highs of 25C expected.

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As well as the Met Office warning, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued its highest level four heat alert to health and care bodies - warning illness and death could occur "among the fit and healthy".

Most deaths during a heatwave are usually heart attacks or strokes caused by the strain of trying to keep body temperatures stable.

• 'I've put ice under my hat' - keeping cool at work
• What does hot weather do to the body?
• 10 tips for sleeping in hot weather

Experts say that climate change is making heatwaves more likely as well as more intense and lasting longer.

The world has already warmed by about 1.1C since the latter half of the 18th century, and experts predict that temperatures will keep rising unless governments make steep cuts to emissions.

MoD / Crown copyright

How are you coping in the heat? Share your experiences haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.

Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:

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2022-07-17 07:49:06Z
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Hot weather: Amber heat warning in place as country braces for record temperatures - BBC

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An amber warning for extreme heat has begun for England as the country braces for record temperatures.

The Met Office warning will extend to southern Scotland and Wales from Monday until Tuesday, when England's alert will rise to red for the first time.

Transport for London has warned passengers in the capital to avoid all but essential travel on these days.

A national emergency has been declared, with temperatures possibly reaching 41C (106F).

That would be the highest temperature ever recorded in the UK - above the current high of 38.7C set in Cambridge in 2019.

The amber warning means health problems are more likely for some; substantial changes are required to work and routines; water safety incidents could increase as people head to the coast, lakes and rivers; and transport delays are possible, with worries for those caught up in them.

Extra measures are being put in place by the government - more ambulance call handlers and extra capacity for the 111 helpline are planned for Monday and Tuesday.

People have been asked to look out for vulnerable relatives and neighbours who may be suffering in the heat.

• NI high temperature could be topped
• Hot weather in Wales hits Covid jab clinics and rail travel
• Scotland heat warning could be extended - minister

The government held an emergency Cobra meeting on Saturday to look at dealing with the heatwave. Labour criticised the prime minister for reportedly not attending, and for his plans to host a private lunch at Chequers on Sunday for some Conservative MPs.

Deputy leader Angela Rayner said Boris Johnson was "preparing to party while Britain boils. Missing in action again".

Transport for London warned services were likely to be impacted by the extreme heat and customers should expect "delays, cancellations and short notice changes" to all services.

Customers have been advised to carry water with them and not to board trains or buses if they feel unwell.

Meanwhile, amid the Tory leadership race, Alok Sharma, president for United Nations climate change summit COP26, said he could resign if a new prime minister ditches the government's "net zero" plans to cut climate-damaging carbon emissions.

The five Conservative leadership candidates have expressed varied levels of commitment to the policy.

In an interview with the Observer, Mr Sharma said some of those standing had been "lukewarm" on net zero and that the policy would be essential to prevent "incredible damage" to the country's global standing.

Getty Images

The Met Office red warning - the highest level - is for extreme heat and covers an area including London, Manchester and York on Monday and Tuesday.

It is the first time it has been issued since the warning system for heat started last year.

Elsewhere:

• Rail passengers in England and Wales have been warned they should only travel if necessary, and Network Rail said speed restrictions were likely
• Some schools will also close early next week and some hospital appointments will be cancelled
• In east Kent, hundreds of people were left with either no water or low pressure on Saturday after a power failure on Friday evening
• There are concerns for safety as people head to rivers, beaches and canals. A teenage boy died after getting into the water at a quarry in Lancashire last week.
• In Europe, deadly wildfires have broken out in Portugal, Spain and southwestern France..

BBC Weather forecaster Susan Powell said the situation was unprecedented.

She said there was an 80% chance the UK would break its current highest temperature record. Temperatures could reach as high as 41C in England on Monday, with 38C quite widely across England and Wales.

Tuesday is set to see highs of 40C, or above, in eastern England. Northern Ireland and Scotland could also see their temperature records broken, she said.

On top of that, the temperature overnight on Monday into Tuesday could also hit a new peak - with highs of 25C expected.

This video can not be played

To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.

As well as the Met Office warning, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued its highest level four heat alert to health and care bodies - warning illness and death could occur "among the fit and healthy".

Most deaths during a heatwave are usually heart attacks or strokes caused by the strain of trying to keep body temperatures stable.

• 'I've put ice under my hat' - keeping cool at work
• What does hot weather do to the body?
• 10 tips for sleeping in hot weather

Experts say that climate change is making heatwaves more likely as well as more intense and lasting longer.

The world has already warmed by about 1.1C since the latter half of the 18th century, and experts predict that temperatures will keep rising unless governments make steep cuts to emissions.

MoD / Crown copyright

How are you coping in the heat? Share your experiences haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.

Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:

• WhatsApp: +44 7756 165803
• Tweet: @BBC_HaveYourSay
• Upload pictures or video
• Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission.

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2022-07-17 04:55:52Z
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UK heatwave: Look out for family and friends, urges new health secretary - BBC

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Extra measures are being put in place for ambulance services as the UK heatwave approaches, says Health Secretary Steve Barclay.

More call handlers and extra capacity for the 111 helpline are among the steps planned for Monday and Tuesday.

He urged the public to look out for vulnerable relatives and neighbours.

A national emergency has been declared, and the UK's first red extreme heat warning issued, with temperatures possibly reaching 41C (106F).

That would be the highest temperature ever recorded in the UK - above the current high of 38.7C in Cambridge in 2019.

Mr Barclay said: "The clear message to the public is to take sensible steps in terms of water, shade and cover. That's the best way of mitigating against the heat.

"We're asking people to keep an eye out for their neighbours and those who may be vulnerable."

On Saturday, temperatures reached 29.1C in Kew Gardens in west London, and Heathrow Airport, with highs of 31C expected in central England on Sunday.

In east Kent, hundreds of people were left with either no water or low pressure on Saturday after a power failure on Friday evening.

• NI high temperature could be topped
• Hot weather in Wales hits Covid jab clinics and rail travel
• Scotland heat warning could be extended - minister

The extra support for health services also includes extra ambulance capacity, and freeing up space in hospitals so patients are not stuck in ambulances outside, said Mr Barclay.

NHS leaders have warned there could be greater demand for ambulances - and said patients should not be left outside hospitals in hot weather for more than 30 minutes.

The new health secretary was speaking after an emergency Cobra meeting held by the government on Saturday.

Cabinet Office Minister Kit Malthouse, who chaired it, warned of significant disruption to transport and urged people not to travel unless necessary.

"The heat will affect rails, for example, so the trains have to run slower," he said, adding: "If they don't have to travel, this may be a moment to work from home."

Schools are being given help and guidance to enable them to stay open, Mr Malthouse said.

Meanwhile, Labour criticised the prime minister after he reportedly did not attend the meeting.

"Boris Johnson has gone missing in action again," said deputy leader Angela Rayner. "He's back to his old tricks of skipping important Cobra meetings."

Reuters

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) told people to take simple steps to stay safe.

"In these exceptionally high temperatures everybody can be affected," said Prof Isabel Oliver, its chief scientific officer.

"Last year we didn't reach temperatures anywhere near the ones that are predicted for next week, [and] we saw over 1,600 excess deaths associated with the period of heatwave. So this is why we are keen that everybody knows what they can do to stay safe."

The Met Office red warning - the highest level - is for extreme heat and covers an area including London, Manchester and York on Monday and Tuesday.

It is the first time it has been issued since the warning system for heat started last year.

Rail passengers in England and Wales have been warned they should only travel if necessary, and Network Rail said speed restrictions were likely.

Some schools will also close early next week and some hospital appointments will be cancelled.

The rest of England, Wales and southern Scotland will be under an amber warning for extreme heat - while in Europe, deadly wildfires have broken out in Portugal, Spain and southwestern France.

BBC Weather forecaster Susan Powell said the situation was unprecedented.

She said there was an 80% chance the UK would break its current highest temperature record. Temperatures could reach as high as 41C in England on Monday, with 38C quite widely across England and Wales.

Tuesday is set to see highs of 40C, or above, in eastern England. Northern Ireland and Scotland could also see their temperature records broken, she said.

And on top of that, the temperature overnight on Monday into Tuesday could also hit a new peak - with highs of 25C expected.

"The problem is we have a 48 to 72-hour period where people who are vulnerable have no cooling-off period," she said.

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As well as the Met Office warning, the UKHSA has issued its highest level four heat alert to health and care bodies - warning illness and death could occur "among the fit and healthy".

Most deaths during a heatwave are usually heart attacks or strokes caused by the strain of trying to keep body temperatures stable.

Rise in deaths can happen quickly

By Katharine Da Costa, BBC News health reporter

Exposure to extreme temperatures can be fatal.

An unprecedented three-week heatwave in northern France in August 2003 resulted in 15,000 excess deaths - those are deaths from all causes that occur above and beyond those expected under "normal" conditions.

The vast majority of the deaths were among older people, aged 65 and above.

In England during the same period, there were more than 2,000 excess deaths, compared to the previous five years.

The rise in mortality due to hot weather can happen very quickly, usually within the first couple of days of the temperature rising.

So the Met Office red heat warning and the UK Health Security Agency's level four health alert are like warning klaxons for the government, health service and individuals to make necessary preparations now in order to mitigate the risks.

Experts say that climate change is making heatwaves more likely as well as more intense and lasting longer.

The world has already warmed by about 1.1C since the latter half of the 18th century, and experts predict that temperatures will keep rising unless governments make steep cuts to emissions.

• 'I've put ice under my hat' - keeping cool at work
• What does hot weather do to the body?
• 10 tips for sleeping in hot weather

The hot weather is an "extra burden" for care homes, said Mike Padgham, the chair of the Independent Care Group which represents care providers.

Carers will make sure curtains are drawn, move residents to cooler areas of the home, use water sprays and ensure everyone stays hydrated, he said.

MoD / Crown copyright

There is concern that the hot weather might also lead to more people getting into difficulty while swimming - after a teenage boy died after getting into the water at a quarry in Lancashire last week.

The Canal and River Trust has launched a safety campaign, asking people not to jump into locks or off bridges.

She said the water may be shallower or deeper than expected or there could be weeds and plants that can tangle around people's limbs.

Meanwhile, firefighters are urging people to swap barbeques for picnics, in a bid to avoid triggering wildfires.

How are you coping in the heat? Share your experiences haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.

Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:

• WhatsApp: +44 7756 165803
• Tweet: @BBC_HaveYourSay
• Upload pictures or video
• Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission.

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2022-07-16 21:33:39Z
1498929903

Tory leadership race: Rishi Sunak 'will circumvent Holyrood because he cannot trust SNP' - The Times

Rishi Sunak will circumvent Holyrood to implement key policies if he becomes prime minister because “we cannot trust the SNP to act in the best interests of the Scottish people”, his most prominent Scots Tory supporter has said.

Writing for The Times, Andrew Bowie, the West Aberdeenshire & Kincardine MP, said that the former chancellor played a key role in UK “levelling-up” funds being handed to councils in a move which bypassed the Scottish parliament and enabled Whitehall to invest directly in communities.

In Scotland about £20 million was awarded to West Dunbartonshire in the first round for a series of projects including revamping the Artizan shopping centre and transforming its oldest building into a library and museum.

Applications for the second round of

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2022-07-15 23:01:00Z
1494214054

Heatwave: National emergency declared after UK's first red extreme heat warning - BBC

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A national emergency has been declared after a red extreme heat warning was issued for the first time, as temperatures could hit 40C (104F).

The Met Office's highest warning covers an area including London, Manchester and York on Monday and Tuesday.

It means there is a risk to life and daily routines will need to change.

Speed restrictions are likely on railway lines, some schools will close early and some hospital appointments will be cancelled.

On the roads, gritters are planning to spread sand to reduce melting, and the RAC has warned more drivers will need help as cars overheat.

Meanwhile in sport, five horse race meetings have been cancelled on Monday and Tuesday because of the forecast temperatures.

On top of the Met Office warning, the UK Health Security Agency issued its highest level four heat alert to health and care bodies - warning illness and death could occur "among the fit and healthy".

It is the first time a red heat warning has been issued for parts of the UK, although the extreme heat warning system was only introduced in 2021.

Downing Street said the alert was being treated as a national emergency, with officials meeting on Friday and over the weekend to discuss the response.

The weather at the start of next week is forecast to be warm across the UK but temperatures will be more like 30C in Scotland and Northern Ireland, rather than the high 30s predicted in parts of England and Wales.

The heatwave - originating in north Africa - is spreading across Europe and has fuelled wildfires in Portugal, France and Spain.

Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said it was "potentially a very serious situation", with a 50% chance of temperatures reaching 40C - likely along the A1 corridor, running from London northwards towards Yorkshire and the North East.

The highest recorded temperature in the UK was 38.7C in Cambridge in 2019 and BBC Weather presenter Matt Taylor said there is now a realistic possibility of hitting 40C in the UK.

"That is exceptionally hot, the sort of temperatures that if you are on holiday you may be able to deal with but in day-to-day life it can have severe impacts on health," he said.

What does extreme heat do to the body?

As the body gets hotter, blood vessels open up. This leads to lower blood pressure and makes the heart work harder to push the blood around the body.

This can cause mild symptoms such as an itchy heat rash or swollen feet as blood vessels become leaky.

At the same time, sweating leads to the loss of fluids and salt and, crucially, the balance between them in the body changes.

This, combined with the lowered blood pressure, can lead to heat exhaustion.

• Read more from James Gallagher here.

Night-time temperatures in some areas will not drop below 25C but they are likely to start cooling off from Wednesday.

Met Office CEO Penny Endersby said the extreme heat forecast was "absolutely unprecedented" and she urged people to take the warning as seriously as a red or amber warning for snow or wind.

People in the UK are used to treating hot weather as a "chance to go and play in the sun" but "this is not that sort of weather", she said.

In England, there were 2,500 excess deaths in the summer of 2020 due to hot weather, and the Red Cross predicts that heat-related deaths in the UK could treble in 30 years.

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People are being urged to stay hydrated, look out for vulnerable people, keep curtains closed and stay out of the midday sun.

There have been concerns about pressure on the NHS during the extreme weather. Downing Street said contingency plans were in place and the prime minister was being updated.

The world has already warmed by about 1.1C since the latter half of the 18th century, and experts predict that temperatures will keep rising unless governments make steep cuts to emissions.

Seven of the top 10 hottest days in the UK have been since 2003, Mr Taylor said.

• 'The heat messes with my echolocation'
• Is the UK getting hotter?
• Woman dies following paddleboard rescue

The latest heatwave has brought warnings of disruption to travel with rail firm Avanti West Coast warning that weekend services might be cancelled at short notice, with amended timetables and extended journey times expected on Monday and Tuesday.

It said customers should only travel "if absolutely necessary" early next week.

Network Rail said the impact to train services would "vary by region, but journeys will take significantly longer and there is a likelihood of cancellations, delays and last-minute alterations".

In other developments:

• Some schools across England are preparing to close early, relax uniform rules and cancel or reschedule sports days
• Milton Keynes University Hospital said routine outpatient appointments and surgery will not go ahead on Monday and Tuesday
• Animal charity Blue Cross wants people to look out for signs their pets are suffering in the heat
• The glass-fronted Portcullis House, Westminster, which houses the Home Office help desk, will be too hot for government workers and will shut at the start of next week
• Snake owners have been advised to be "extra vigilant" because hot weather can make the reptiles more likely to escape, the RSPCA has warned

How are you coping in the heat? Share your experiences haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.

Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:

• WhatsApp: +44 7756 165803
• Tweet: @BBC_HaveYourSay
• Upload pictures or video
• Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission.

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2022-07-15 21:29:41Z
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