Met Office releases Level 3 Heat Alert as heatwave forecast across Britain

The Met Office has issued a Level 3 Heat – Health Alert warning people to look out for vulnerable and elderly, as temperatures are predicted to hit highs of 33°C.

The alert, in place from 9am this morning until 9am July 15, means there will be sustained temperatures of at least 31°C, above those predicted for holiday hotspots like Barcelona and Lisbon.

Forecasters have said that the climate crisis is causing heatwaves to be more severe and occur more often, with temperatures in Europe reaching record highs.

The Extreme Heat Warning was first issued in July last year after being introduced to raise awareness of the adverse health effects and pressure heatwaves can put on water and power supplies.

The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA), which issued the alert alongside the Met Office, advised the public to drink plenty of fluids, to avoid alcohol and avoid physical exertion during the hottest parts of the day.

Heat alerts can enable social and healthcare services to target specific actions for high-risk groups and allow NHS England and NHS Improvement groups to assemble mutual aid when requested by local services.

It’s been advised people refrain from putting their pets in their cars, cover windows exposed to direct sunlight, ensure fans and fridges are working and that medicines are stored correctly.

The UK’s highest temperature of the year so far was recorded in Heathrow Airport on June 17 at 32.7°.

Extreme temperatures are also expected for next week, with some forecasters saying it could get as hot as 40°C in southern England – the first time temperatures have ever been predicted to reach that high in the UK.

Heatwaves in the Mediterranean are causing havoc, with Italy calling a state of emergency, as the nation struggles to maintain resources in the extreme heat.

The country’s largest 400 mile river, the River Po, which produces 40% of Italy’s food, has had barely any rainfall for over four months.

Northern Italy now faces its worst drought in 70 years.

Photo by Michael Held