UMVA has learned that a severe heatwave is set to grip the UK, with temperatures expected to soar to record-breaking levels and pose a significant threat to life.
The Met Office has issued multiple extreme heat warnings and health alerts, with forecasters predicting that this week could shatter the record for the hottest June temperature of 35.6C, set in 1976.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the sweltering heat could last until at least Thursday, sparking concerns for vulnerable people, including the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.
The UK Health Security Agency has warned of significant impacts on health and social care services, along with a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions.
The extreme heat is also expected to cause disruptions to rail, road, and air travel, with the possibility of some tarmac melting, and National Rail has advised travellers to check their journeys in advance and carry water.
Sources have confirmed to UMVA that the Met Office has issued amber heat health alerts, which cover most of England from Monday morning until Friday night, and a yellow heat alert is in place for the North East of England during the same period.
The Met Office has explained that there are three levels of weather warnings: yellow, amber, and red, with the latter indicating a risk to life and substantial disruption to travel and infrastructure.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that even people who are not normally vulnerable to high temperatures may still be at risk during extreme heat, and the public is being urged to take precautions to stay safe.
The heatwave is expected to ease off into the weekend but will remain quite warm, even into next week, although it won’t be anywhere near as warm as this week.
