'Danger to life' heat warning issued as Brits face '33C' temperatures and fires break out

11 July 2022, 05:42 | Updated: 11 July 2022, 17:31

• Met office issues rare amber heat warning of 'exceptionally high temperatures'
• Heat to reach 33C today and tomorrow, 29C on Weds and 28C on Thurs.
• Forecasters predict temperatures could soar as high as 36C on Sunday
• Hospital declares 'critical incident' due to staff shortages and ‘prolonged high temperatures'
• Hampshire Council to spread sands on roads to stop them from melting
• Cabinet sitting delayed due to leaking air-conditioning unit

An extreme heat weather warning has been issued as Brits continue to endure scorching temperatures across the UK, forcing hospitals to declare 'critical incidents' and resulting in several fire outbreaks.

The Met Office issued the rare amber weather warning for a large part of the country ahead of further soaring temperatures this week, saying it could lead to "serious illness or danger to life".

The warning is in place from midnight on Sunday to 11.59pm, when temperatures are predicted to soar into the 30s, but the forecaster added it could be extended to Monday next week.

It is being enforced across the east Midlands, east of England, London, south east, north east, north west, south west, wales, west Midlands and Yorkshire and Humber.

It comes as wildfires have broken out on Salisbury plain due to the sweltering heat, with footage showing large plumes of smoke taking over the sky in Wiltshire.

Portsmouth Hospitals University Trust also declared a 'critical incident' due to 'prolonged' high temperatures.

A spokesman said: "Due to extreme pressures on services across the Queen Alexandra Hospital site, an increasingly challenging staffing position as a result of sickness and the additional strain of the prolonged high temperatures, Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust (PHU) has declared a critical incident."

Smoke billows into the air from wildfire on Salisbury plain

Meanwhile, fire services across the UK are urging people to go for picnics instead of barbecues following a spate of blazes during the heatwave.

Several grass fires across the country have been blamed on barbecues abandoned in rural areas after use, with people flocking outdoors to enjoy the sun and 30C temperatures.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service wrote on Twitter: "The hot weather brings us all out to enjoy walks in the countryside but please don't have a BBQ, take a picnic instead [and] take your rubbish home!"

A similar warning was issued by Surrey Fire & Rescue Service, which urged locals to avoid barbecues and instead "pack a picnic when you're out and about".

On Sunday, Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue crews were called to the scene of a grass shrubbery fire that was caused by discarded disposable barbecues, while Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service said it had "already attended 10 outside fires" across the area on Sunday afternoon.

'It's not just going to be the most vulnerable who are suffering.' 

A statement from the Met Office said: "Population-wide adverse health effects are likely to be experienced, not limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat, leading to potential serious illness or danger to life. Government advice is that 999 services should be used in emergencies only; seek advice from 111 if you need non-emergency health advice.

"Substantial changes in working practices and daily routines (are) likely to be required. Significantly more people are likely to visit coastal areas, lakes and rivers leading to increased risk of water safety incidents.

"Delays on roads and road closures are possible, along with delays and cancellations to rail and air travel, with potential for significant welfare issues for those who experience even moderate delays."

Hampshire County Council is also preparing to deploy gritters in response to melting roads as temperatures soar.

It said the machines will be spreading light dustings of sand, acting “like a sponge to soak up excess bitumen", according to the authority.

Authorities on Salisbury plain attend scene of wildfire

The hot weather has also caused problems in Westminster, with Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle confirming earlier that an air-conditioning unit was to blame for a water leak in the chamber.

It meant Monday's sitting was delayed by an hour.

Sir Lindsay told MPs: "As the House will be aware we have started our proceedings an hour late today because of the leak of some water into the chamber from the air-conditioning unit.

"The air-conditioning unit is not the one for the chamber but from an office nearby.

"I've been assured that it's safe for us to sit in the chamber."

He said none of the scheduled debates will be curtailed as they all have protected time.

Wet patches could be seen on the carpet near the Government despatch box and the SNP frontbench.

The South, Midlands and eastern England have level three heat health alerts in place.

People are being advised to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day and to drink plenty of fluids. Parents are being advised to make sure kids do not stay out in the sun for extended periods.

The alerts are expected to stay in place until next weekend.

People have been urged to take shorter showers and ration water as temperatures are expected to soar.

Sun-seekers swarmed beaches and parks as the warm weather continued over the weekend, with temperatures set to creep up further over the coming days.

Parts of the country will be hotter than some of the world's top beach destinations on Monday, including areas in Jamaica, the Maldives and the Bahamas, amid a heatwave blasting the nation.

At the moment the UK's temperature record is 38.7C, set at Cambridge Botanic Garden back in July 2019.

This could be "obliterated" next Sunday, with temperatures possibly exceeding 40C, forecasters warned.

Anglian Water is calling on residents to be aware of how much water they use as the heavenly heatwave continues in the south east.

Read more: UK braces for record-breaking 43C scorcher as heat warning issued

Sarah Castelvecchi, Water Saving Manager at Anglian Water, said: "We want everyone to enjoy the fabulous sunshine and being outdoors, however we would like to ask everyone to think about how they are using their water.

"However we would like to ask everyone to think about how they are using their water.

"Every drop of water is precious, so we work hard to make sure there is enough to go around for both today and tomorrow.”

The water company says it expects to see peak demand levels skyrocket, putting pressure on the water network.

Meanwhile, Severn Trent, a water company based in Coventry, asked people to stay safe this summer by staying out of reservoirs.

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They advised families to help save water by using their paddling pool water to keep the garden looking green, switching off the tap while brushing your teeth and cutting a couple of minutes from your morning shower.

Met Office forecaster Greg Dewhurst said eastern parts of England could see maximum highs of 33C on Monday.

He said high pressure will "dominate" the day, with lots of sunshine, particularly in England and Wales.

"In Scotland and Northern Ireland it will be somewhat hazy at times with thick cloud moving in from the north-west, possibly bringing some rain at times," he said.

"But for most of us it will be a dry and sunny day, well into the high 20s from the morning, with central, southern and eastern parts of England to possibly see maximum highs of 33C.

"So it's very possible tomorrow will be the hottest day of the year so far, it will certainly be on par with the existing record, maybe more.

"It will also be very warm overnight going into Tuesday, remaining in the low 20s in cities, so many may experience an uncomfortable night."