An unusual amber warning for “extreme heat” has been issued for parts of England, as the UK braces for potentially the hottest day of the year.
Temperatures may climb to 38°C in certain regions, marking the fifth heatwave in a summer that could set new records, surpassing last year’s high.
READ: Britain’s scorched fields mean a food crisis – and the government is ignoring the one measure that would help, by George Monbiot.
The Met Office has announced an amber warning from London to Sheffield, encompassing sections of the South East, East Midlands, East of England, West Midlands, and South Yorkshire, effective from 9 a.m. to midnight on Thursday.
Health
This warning follows Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s leadership of an emergency Cobra committee meeting on Wednesday, addressing the ongoing intense and dry heatwave.
Met Office forecaster Alex Burkill noted, “Temperatures in the warned areas could peak at around 36, 37, or even 38°C. Such extreme heat could affect our infrastructure, like railway lines and roads, which aren’t built for these temperatures. Additionally, more people may feel health impacts due to the heat.”
He further mentioned, “If temperatures exceed 38°C, it might be the hottest day of the year. Surpassing 38.5°C could set a record for the hottest August day, though that remains unlikely.”
Strike
London bus drivers plan to strike over unsatisfactory working conditions amidst the heat. The Unite union reported that over 1,500 Arriva North London bus drivers will strike on Friday and other days, citing concerns that the company is not addressing the issue adequately.
The union highlighted that most Arriva North London buses have air cooling systems, which only lower temperatures by two or three degrees Celsius, rather than having more efficient air conditioning. Consequently, buses remain extremely hot, causing health issues for both drivers and passengers.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham stated, “No worker should suffer health problems due to their job. This recurring issue worsens as summers get hotter and cannot be ignored any longer. Arriva must prioritize resolving this serious matter, which poses risks to drivers and the public alike.”
Wildfires
The year’s highest temperature was recorded at 38°C in Lingwood, Norfolk, on June 28, amid a lethal heatwave that elicited a rare red warning for extreme heat.
