UK Weather: Latest Met Office Forecast
Ministers have been urged to convene a second emergency Cobra meeting in three days to tackle how to protect the NHS, which is “running on edge” during this week’s scorching heatwave.
The call from the Lib Dems came as the Met Office extended its amber extreme heat alert for another 24 hours until midnight next Tuesday, warning that the severe conditions are likely to cause serious illness and put lives at risk.
The National Forecaster now believes there is a one in five chance Britain will record its hottest temperature of the period, with some weather models even suggesting the extreme heat could reach a scorching 40C.
Officials have not ruled out declaring a first-ever national heatwave emergency, with forecasters warning the extreme conditions mean health impacts could be felt by those not normally thought to be vulnerable to the heat.
The unrelentingly hot weather has left the NHS struggling to cope, with all 10 ambulances in England on the highest level of alert, while health leaders warn that “ill-equipped” hospital buildings are struggling to store medicines properly.
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Ministers have been urged to convene a second Cobra meeting to deal with heatwave pressure on the NHS
Ministers have been urged to convene a Cobra meeting today to discuss how to protect the NHS from extreme heat.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Liberal Democrat health spokeswoman Daisy Cooper called for what would mark the second emergency weather meeting in three days, which she said was needed “to protect patients and paramedics who are really working on the edge”.
Health Secretary Maria Caulfield said demand for health services was of the “variety we normally see in winter”, adding: “We have a heat wave plan which was published earlier this year, we are confident and working with all the NHS trusts to make sure they get the support they need, as do all ambulance trusts.’
Ms Caulfield later added: “These are the types of pressures that we would normally expect to see in winter and we see them in the summer months which is usually their down time and is extremely worrying for the coming months as we head into winter.
The minister said he would meet with all 11 ambulance trusts – each of which is currently at its highest alert level – in the coming days.
Andy Gregory July 13, 2022 3:16 pm
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The Mayor of London has activated a severe weather plan to help people sleeping rough
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has launched a severe weather emergency response – usually brought on by sub-zero temperatures – in the capital to help rough sleepers struggling to stay safe during the heatwave.
The City Council has written to all London boroughs and sleep services to ask them to carry out welfare checks on vulnerable people and provide sunscreen, water and information on keeping cool and safe in high temperatures.
“This ongoing heatwave can be dangerous for anyone, but for people sleeping rough there are additional risks,” Mr Khan said.
“We are taking action across the capital to help those forced to sleep rough in these extremely hot temperatures by increasing social care checks, providing plenty of water and sunscreen and ensuring rough sleepers know where they have access to cool spaces and fountains.’
Andy Gregory July 13, 2022 2:42 pm
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Here are some images from photojournalists from Lindley Wood Reservoir, near Otley, during today’s hot weather:
(REUTERS/Lee Smith)
(REUTERS/Lee Smith)
(REUTERS/Lee Smith)
Andy Gregory July 13, 2022 2:07 pm
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What is a national heat wave emergency and what might it look like?
Government officials are meeting regularly to assess the impact of the current heat and have not ruled out declaring the first-ever national heat wave emergency.
Our climate correspondent Saphora Smith looks at what we can expect if a national emergency is called:
Everything you need to know about a national heat wave emergency and what it might look like
Officials said a national heat emergency meant illness and death could occur among the fit and healthy, as well as among the most vulnerable.
Andy Gregory July 13, 2022 at 1:34 pm
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Londoners have been told to limit their water consumption to prevent shortages
Thames Water has urged Londoners to limit water use where possible to prevent shortages.
“During periods of hot weather, water use can often spike, with hoses and sprinklers for watering gardens and children’s pools full,” said Andrew Tucker, the utility’s water demand reduction manager. “This makes it even more important to be careful about water use to ensure there is enough for everyone.”
“While we do not currently expect to introduce restrictions on water use this summer, it is important that households remain responsible with their water use and help us limit the pressure on our resources.”
Thames Water said more than 271,000 customers were on the priority services register who would struggle to cope if their home water supply was cut.
The firm advises people to take shorter showers, reduce the use of garden hoses and turn off taps when brushing their teeth.
Andy Gregory July 13, 2022 12:59 pm
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Event: Expert panel to discuss the true scale of the NHS crisis
The current heatwave is piling pressure on the NHS, which is already in crisis.
The Independent is hosting a free virtual event where a panel of experts will discuss the way forward at 6.30pm tonight.
Our health correspondent Rebecca Thomas will host the panel including: our senior news correspondent Samuel Lovett; Sarah Tilsed, Head of Patient Partnerships at the Patients’ Association; Dr Adrian Boyle, Emergency Consultant and incoming President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine; and Dr Leila McKay, director of policy at the NHS Confederation.
You can get your tickets here:
Expert panel to discuss the true scale of the NHS crisis
Get your free ticket to our virtual event – Tipping Point: Revealing the true scale of the NHS crisis
Andy Gregory July 13, 2022 12:50 pm
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Met Office revises record heat forecast from 30% chance to 20%
Our climate correspondent Saphora Smith reports:
The Met Office have now said they believe the UK is less likely to record its highest temperature on Sunday.
A Met Office meteorologist told The Independent they had revised their forecast down to about a one in five chance of temperatures surpassing 2019’s record of 38.7 degrees.
However, they are still predicting temperatures to reach the mid to high 30s.
The new forecast is lower than Monday’s estimate of a 30 percent chance of the record being broken.
Andy Gregory July 13, 2022 12:27 pm
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Overhanging heat as a result of the hot air currently over France
The extreme heat coming this weekend is due to hot air flowing into the UK from the continent.
“What happens as we go into the weekend is that high pressure becomes centered to the east of the UK and that allows a southerly air flow to pull up the very warm air that’s over France at the moment and pull it north towards UK over the weekend, perhaps to a greater extent on Sunday and Monday,” Met Office forecaster Matthew Box said.
Heatwaves have become hotter, longer and more frequent due to climate change and experts have warned of the need to adapt UK homes and cities for a future of more intense summer heat.
Andy Gregory July 13, 2022 12:11 pm
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The government has called for a maximum legal operating temperature to be introduced
The government was urged to introduce a maximum working temperature to protect workers from fatigue, infection, heat stroke and death.
A total of 37 MPs signed an early day motion (EDM) tabled in the House of Commons calling for a limit of 30C in most workplaces, or 27C for those doing strenuous work, to be guaranteed by law.
Under the proposals, employers would have a legal duty to put in place “effective control measures”, such as installing ventilation or moving staff away from windows and heat sources.
EDMs allow MPs to express an opinion, publicize a cause or support a position. It’s rare for EDM to be discussed.
Andy Gregory July 13, 2022 11:42 am
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In pictures: South East England sweltering in heat
Here are some images illustrating the conditions in the southeast yesterday:
A man carries a fan while walking in London
(AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)
Cracked ground can be seen in Parliament Square as the hot weather continues
(REUTERS/Toby Melville)
A train runs through hot fog on a railway line near Ashford in Kent
(Garrett Fuller/PA Wire)
Andy Gregory July 13, 2022 11:06 am
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