Story Highlight
– Amber extreme heat warning issued for southern England, Wales.
– Temperatures to peak at 34C early next week.
– Health risks likely, especially for older people.
– Increase in water-related incidents during hot weather.
– Breakdown services expect surge in calls due to heat.
Full Story
An amber extreme heat warning has been issued by the Met Office, covering significant parts of southern England and south-east Wales, marking the first such alert in four years. The expected rise in temperatures could see them soar to around 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) over the weekend, with a forecasted peak of 34 degrees Celsius anticipated on Monday and Tuesday. The Met Office has noted that in certain areas, these temperatures may indeed be surpassed.
Introduced in July 2021, the amber extreme heat warning is distinct from the amber heat health alerts provided by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). A separate alert was also released by the UKHSA on Thursday, highlighting the anticipated adverse effects that these high temperatures could have on public health and service provision, particularly in London, south-east and south-west England, as well as the east of the country.
The UKHSA’s alert indicates that these weather conditions might lead to an increase in fatalities, especially among vulnerable populations such as the elderly, individuals over 65, and those with pre-existing health issues. Additionally, the alert points to potential increases in “water-related incidents,” which include risks associated with cold-water shock and incidents of drowning.
In addressing these safety concerns, Ross MacLeod, the water safety manager for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, expressed the serious nature of cold-water shock that can occur in hot weather. “Cold water shock is a real danger, which we particularly want people to be aware of,” MacLeod stated. He emphasised that while bodies of water may seem appealing, they remain cold enough year-round to provoke cold water shock, which can lead to uncontrollable gasping, increased heart rate, panic, and rapid drowning. He advised gradual immersion in water to help the body acclimatise.
For those who find themselves in distress while in the water, MacLeod suggested that individuals should resist the instinct to panic and remember to “float to live.” This technique involves relaxing and floating on one’s back to regain composure before seeking help or swimming to safety. He cautioned against entering the water to assist others in trouble, advising instead to call emergency services and provide assistance such as throwing them a buoyant object.
The Met Office’s deputy chief forecaster, Greg Wolverson, acknowledged that while weekend temperatures would qualify for a heatwave status in parts of southern England, the intensity of the warmth is expected to broaden early next week. This will likely lead to high overnight temperatures, significantly impacting residents’ wellbeing. He noted that “tropical nights,” where temperatures remain above 20 degrees Celsius, are likely.
There is also a chance of isolated thundery showers expected on Monday and Tuesday, although these may not affect all areas. The Met Office highlighted the increasing frequency of extreme heat events as being driven in part by climate change. The UN climate chief recently referred to May’s heatwaves across Europe as a “brutal reminder of the spiralling impacts of the climate crisis.”
In conjunction with weather concerns, breakdown services have warned about an uptick in vehicle failures attributed to overheating engines and deformed tyres due to expansion in the heat. A spokesperson for the RAC indicated a predicted 10% rise in demand for breakdown assistance compared to typical figures for mid-June.
In the context of agriculture, Sally Petitt, head of horticulture at the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, has been diligently watering new plantings ahead of the rising temperatures. However, she highlighted that certain rare plants, such as ligularias, are likely to struggle despite ample hydration, noting their natural aversion to heat. “They’re not desperate for a drink; they just don’t like the heat,” Petitt said, comparing their wilting to humans wanting relief from the warmth.
Petitt expressed concern for mature trees within the garden, particularly Scots pines, which are native to cooler climates and may suffer from the heat. “They don’t die overnight, but they very quickly show signs they are in decline,” she explained, recalling that the garden has lost numerous older specimens over recent years. “You get so familiar with them. They’re like friends,” she lamented.
At Kew Gardens in London, staff are taking extensive measures to ensure that ventilation systems remain operational in the glasshouses, according to spokesperson Tom Freeth. He warned that failure to monitor these systems could lead to dangerously high temperatures that might exceed 50 degrees Celsius within a glasshouse setting. Staff have been instructed to perform watering tasks as early in the day as possible and to maintain humidity levels by dampening floors within the nursery facilities. Freeth underscored that not only the high temperatures pose a threat, but also the moisture loss from the soil that the heat exacerbates.
As the country braces itself for the impending heatwave, authorities urge residents to remain vigilant about their health and safety, while also taking precautions to protect the environment during what is anticipated to be a notably hot period.
Our Thoughts
To mitigate risks associated with extreme heat conditions, several measures could have been employed. Firstly, adherence to the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of employees. Risk assessments should have been conducted to evaluate the impact of high temperatures on staff, especially vulnerable individuals, including those over 65 or with pre-existing conditions.
Additionally, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 mandates that organizations provide appropriate training and information to staff. This includes educating workers and the public on hydration, recognizing signs of heat stress, and managing water-related risks, such as cold water shock.
In light of the increased likelihood of drowning incidents, public awareness campaigns could be utilized to inform communities about the dangers of open water during heatwaves, promoting safer practices.
For outdoor facilities like gardens, implementing environmental controls such as adequate shading, ventilation, and moisture management could, as seen at Kew Gardens, prevent heat-related plant loss and ensure staff safety.
Overall, proactive planning, effective communication, and robust training can significantly lessen the risk of heat-related incidents.
