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Amber heat health alerts have been broadened to include northern parts of England amid the third heatwave of the year, which pushed temperatures up to 35°C (95°F) on Thursday. These alerts now extend over nearly the entire country, signifying that the heatwave could severely impact health services and potentially disrupt travel until 9:00 PM BST on Sunday.
Travelers encountered numerous delays and cancellations during Thursday evening’s rush hour, with rail services operating slower than usual. NHS England emphasised that ambulance services were experiencing “sustained pressure” as a result of the ongoing high temperatures. Although this heatwave is not expected to reach the extreme levels observed during June’s record-breaking event, it may persist longer, possibly lasting until the end of next week.
On Thursday, Surrey recorded a high of 35.5°C, marking the eighth day this year with temperatures reaching or exceeding 34°C, surpassing the previous records set in 1976 and 2020. The heat is forecast to peak on Friday with at least one more reading expected at or above 34°C. This year’s heatwave tally includes two days in May, four in June, and two so far in July. Regional highs have also been notable: Cardiff reached 31.3°C, Charterhall hit 29.3°C in Scotland, and Killowen in Northern Ireland recorded 27.5°C.
The newly issued amber alerts cover north-west England and Yorkshire, areas where the intense heat could pose health risks to the population. These join existing alerts for the Midlands, eastern, and southern England, with a yellow warning issued for the north-east. Southern and south-eastern England have felt the brunt of the soaring temperatures, with some areas entering heatwave status earlier in the week after five consecutive days above 30°C. This intense heat has added pressure on Wimbledon, where conditions on Thursday nearly matched the 35.7°C record set at the tournament in 2015. To help cope, players are being given additional water, electrolytes, iced towels, and umbrellas, with the option to request a 10-minute break between sets if temperature and humidity surpass certain levels.
Rail services faced disruption throughout Thursday due to the heat, with various operators reporting cancellations, speed restrictions, and altered timetables. East Midlands Railway was among those experiencing several service cancellations, and Great Western Railway, South Western Railway, and London Northwestern Railway also cautioned travelers about delays. Transport for Wales and c2c implemented speed restrictions; notably, c2c suspended some services entirely on Friday. Passengers have been advised to anticipate ongoing delays for the foreseeable future.
The UK’s electricity grid operator, Neso, requested additional power availability on Thursday evening, highlighting “tight electricity margins.” Although no immediate risk of blackouts or shortages was raised, heightened electricity demand is linked to the heat as air conditioning, freezers, and refrigerators see increased usage. Heat also reduces the efficiency of energy production, compounding the strain on the system.
Public safety messages have emphasised vigilance as the heatwave persists. NHS England urged people to “take the heat seriously,” particularly protecting vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with ongoing health conditions. The Royal College of Paramedics advised staying hydrated, assisting vulnerable individuals with access to cooling measures, and avoiding exposure during peak heat hours between noon and 4 PM. In Wales, ambulance services issued warnings about dehydration and fatigue potentially leading to falls, while South Wales Fire and Rescue cautioned the public about safety near open water. Station manager Gavin Murphy reminded people that “warm weather does not mean warm water,” noting that cold water can rapidly impair swimming ability and breathing.
The National Fire Chiefs Council also sounded alerts about the increased wildfire risk posed by dry, hot conditions. They recommended avoiding the use of disposable barbecues in open areas, parks, and moorlands to reduce the possibility of fire outbreaks during this prolonged hot spell
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