July 18th 2024.
As the week comes to a close, the south and east of England are gearing up for some scorching hot temperatures. If you're planning on using the London Underground for your daily commute, good luck! A heatwave is making its way into the capital, and it's set to make things pretty uncomfortable for anyone traveling in and around the city.
London, along with most of the east of England, will be placed under a yellow heat health alert starting at 5pm today, just in time for the evening rush hour. This alert will remain in place until Saturday night, meaning we can finally say goodbye to the dreary weather conditions we've been experiencing all summer. The consistent low pressure that has been bringing us heavy winds, clouds, rain, and thunderstorms, along with mediocre temperatures, will finally be replaced with some much-needed warmth.
If you take a look at the temperature hotspots forecast across the UK, it's no surprise that London and the south east are expected to have the warmest weather. The Met Office is predicting highs of up to 31°C in the capital, while Cardiff, Plymouth, and Manchester are expected to reach 25°C, 20°C, and 27°C respectively. However, Scotland and Northern Ireland will experience much cooler temperatures, with highs of 20°C in Glasgow and 19°C in Belfast.
The yellow heat health warning covers a large portion of the east of England, as the Met Office explains, "Outbreaks of rain across Northern Ireland and western Scotland will ease throughout the day. The rest of the country can expect mostly dry weather with plenty of sunshine and very warm temperatures. Friday will see a continuation of these conditions, with Saturday bringing the chance of thundery showers and remaining hot in the east and south east. Sunday will be cooler and cloudier, with some rain likely."
In response to the heat health warning, the London Fire Brigade is reminding Londoners to enjoy the sun safely, especially with the risk of grass fires. Assistant Commissioner Craig Carter says, "We know many people will want to take advantage of the beautiful weather by visiting a park or open space. However, we're asking that you leave your disposable barbecues at home, as they can easily cause grass fires, especially in dry conditions. These fires can spread rapidly and cause a significant amount of damage."
The fire brigade also warns against using barbecues on balconies, as they can contain combustible materials and pose a risk to those barbecuing and those living nearby. If you do decide to have a barbecue, make sure to never leave it unattended and position it carefully. Aim for level ground and keep it away from anything flammable, such as sheds, fences, trees, or tents.
Additionally, the fire brigade is calling on Londoners to be aware of the dangers of cold water shock when trying to cool off in the water. Assistant Commissioner Carter explains, "It's a sad statistic that the risk of drowning in England increases as children reach their teenage years, with teenage boys being the most likely to accidentally drown. While it may be tempting to take a dip in the water to escape the heat, it's important to remember that London's waterways are still cold enough to cause cold water shock, which can affect anyone, regardless of their fitness level."
He advises those in the water to "float to live" by tilting their head back and submerging their ears. It's important to try to relax and breathe normally, and use your hands to help you stay afloat if necessary. Spread your arms and legs out to improve stability, and don't panic if your legs sink – everyone floats differently. Once you have your breathing under control, call for help or swim to safety.
If you see someone in the water, do not try to rescue them yourself. Instead, keep an eye on them, call 999, and use what3words to provide the operator with a precise location. And if you plan on participating in water sports, always wear a life jacket and avoid jumping into the water. While it may seem like a fun activity, there is a real risk when it comes to London's canals, waterways, and the Thames. Stay safe and enjoy the warm weather responsibly.
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