UK declares heat emergency as temperatures set to soar

LONDON

Britain’s government on Friday issued its first-ever national emergency red alert for a heat wave in England, as the country is expected to experience its hottest weather in recorded history.

The UK Health Security Agency, the government’s health and safety monitoring group, increased the heat-health warning for England to the maximum, level 4, as temperatures are expected to reach 40C (104F) this weekend and the beginning of next week. The Met weather office also issued a red alert.

“Exceptional, perhaps record-breaking temperatures are likely early next week, quite widely across the red warning area on Monday, and focused a little more east and north on Tuesday. Currently, there is a 50% chance we could see temperatures top 40°C and 80% we will see a new maximum temperature reached,” said Met Chief Meteorologist Paul Gundersen.

“Nights are also likely to be exceptionally warm, especially in urban areas. This is likely to lead to widespread impacts on people and infrastructure. Therefore, it is important people plan for the heat and consider changing their routines. This level of heat can have adverse health effects,” Gundersen added.

The level 4 red alert, the highest level possible for a heat emergency, was declared on Friday morning.