Auto Amazon Links: No products found.
Parts of the UK are currently experiencing an “exceptional” wildfire risk amid a sustained heatwave that has brought record-breaking temperatures. According to Natural England, large areas in southern England and certain spots in the south Midlands face the highest level of danger. Meanwhile, numerous other regions across England and Wales remain under a “very high” wildfire risk, a situation expected to persist through this week. This prolonged period of elevated temperatures coincides with some areas entering their second consecutive week of heatwave conditions.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber and yellow heat health alerts from 09:00 BST on 12 July until 21:00 on 15 July. These warnings indicate likely significant impacts on health and social care services, including an increased risk of deaths, notably among older adults and people with pre-existing health conditions. Despite a slight drop in temperatures near the North Sea coasts, where highs are forecast to be between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius on Sunday and Monday, much of western England and Wales will continue to face high temperatures. There, highs of 26 to 30 degrees Celsius are expected widely, with some places in south-east Wales and south-west England potentially reaching between 31 and 33 degrees Celsius.
Heatwave conditions are predicted to continue across several regions such as the north-west of England, East Midlands, eastern England, London, and the south-east, where a yellow alert remains in effect. From Monday, temperatures in England and Wales are expected to hover around 30 to 32 degrees Celsius, although these highs are unlikely to match the mid-30s recorded last week. Scotland and Northern Ireland may also see a return of heatwave conditions by midweek.
The extreme risk of wildfire is driven by a combination of factors, including three consecutive record-breaking heatwaves and a prolonged dry spell, which have left vegetation exceptionally dry and flammable. With strong winds and low humidity continuing over the next few days, the drying process will accelerate, heightening the probability of fires igniting and spreading rapidly. “When the weather stays hot and dry, it only takes one spark to start a wildfire. What can begin as a small fire can spread incredibly quickly, putting people, homes, wildlife and our countryside at risk,” said a spokesperson for the National Fire Chiefs Council. While the situation may improve somewhat midweek as winds ease and showers become more likely, East Anglia could still face “exceptional” wildfire danger by Wednesday.
The heatwave may finally begin to break towards the end of the week as low pressure moves northwards from the Bay of Biscay. Showers are expected to start in the far south-west of England on Sunday, becoming more widespread by Monday. As the low-pressure system gradually shifts north, thundery showers are forecast to extend further, impacting southern England and southern Wales on Tuesday, and then reaching the Midlands by Wednesday. Despite the arrival of precipitation, temperatures are forecast to remain in the high 20s and low 30s until later in the week. Only then will cooler north winds help bring an end to the current heatwave across the UK
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.