London, July 17 (BNA) The British government held an emergency response meeting on Saturday to plan for a record rise in temperatures next week, after the meteorological authorities issued their first “red” warning of extreme temperatures.
The warning covers large parts of England on Monday and Tuesday, when temperatures could reach 40C (104F) for the first time, posing a risk of serious illness and even death among otherwise healthy people, the UK Met Office, the country’s weather service, said. He said.
The British temperature record is 38.7 degrees Celsius (101.7 degrees Fahrenheit), recorded in 2019, the Associated Press reports.
Having chaired the meeting, Cabinet Office Minister Kate Malthus warned that transportation services would be significantly affected.
“The heat will affect the railways, for example, so the trains will have to run slower. There may be fewer services,” he told the BBC. “People must be prepared for disruption. If they don’t have to travel, this could be a moment to work from home.”
Rail passengers and London Underground users have been advised not to travel on Mondays and Tuesdays unless absolutely necessary. With children and the elderly considered particularly vulnerable to high temperatures, schools and nursing homes have been urged to take steps to protect older students and residents. Most schools in England are still in session until the end of next week.
The warning comes as scientists say climate change is increasing the likelihood of exceptional heat waves in Britain, a country unaccustomed to such temperatures. Few homes, apartments, schools or small businesses in the country have air conditioners.
Britain usually enjoys moderate temperatures in the summer. Across the UK, average temperatures in July range from 21°C (70°F) to 12°C (53°F).
London Mayor Sadiq Khan met with representatives from the National Health Service, police, fire and other emergency services on Friday to review plans to deal with a heat emergency.
A doctor has warned that the upcoming heat wave and the surge in COVID-19 infections are causing a nightmare for health workers.
Dr Claire Bronze, 38, an emergency room consultant in London said. “Some employees will still have to wear PPE – such as plastic gowns, masks, and gloves – over normal uniforms which, as you can imagine, means people will quickly become dehydrated and super hot.”