London weather heatwave: Met Office issues first ever RED extreme heat warning for the capital next week

The Met Office has issued a first ever red extreme heat warning for London on Monday and Tuesday next week.

For the first time ever temperatures of 40C have been forecast for London - which would be a record for the capital.

The highest the mercury has ever reached was 38.1C at Heathrow Airport on August 10 2003.

The Met Office said that there was a 50% chance London would feel 40C heat and an 80% chance the capital would see record temperatures.

Chief meteorologist Paul Gundersen said: “Exceptional, perhaps record-breaking temperatures are likely early next week, quite widely across the red warning area on Monday, and focussed a little more east and north on Tuesday.

“Currently there is a 50% chance we could see temperatures top 40C and 80% we will see a new maximum temperature reached.

“Nights are also likely to be exceptionally warm, especially in urban areas.

“This is likely to lead to widespread impacts on people and infrastructure.

“Therefore, it is important people plan for the heat and consider changing their routines.

“This level of heat can have adverse health effects.”

The Met Office initially declared an amber warning, but has now upgraded it to the first ever red extreme heat warning.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “This is potentially dangerous and a very serious consequence of climate change.

“This warning is not limited to the most vulnerable and means that substantial changes in all our daily routines will be required, and there is likely to be an impact on travel.

“All of the capital’s key agencies and emergency services are working closely together to ensure London is prepared for the extreme heat that is forecast and will continue to provide advice for Londoners ahead of Monday.

“I urge Londoners to be very careful and to look after each other in the comings days.”

Met Office advice to stay safe

• Look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated. Older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk.
• If you live alone, ask a relative or friend to phone to check that you are not having difficulties during periods of extreme heat.
• Stay cool indoors: Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
• If going outdoors, use cool spaces considerately.
• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol.
• Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.
• Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest.
• Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat.
• Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day.
• Make sure you take water with you, if you are travelling.
• Check the latest weather forecast and temperature warnings – you can find these on TV, radio, mobile app or website.
• During warm weather going for a swim can provide much welcomed relief. If you are going into open water to cool down, take care and follow local safety advice.

Is this to do with climate change?

“We hoped we wouldn’t get to this situation but for the first time ever we are forecasting greater than 40C in the UK,” Dr Nikos Christidis, from the Met Office, said.

“In a recent study we found that the likelihood of extremely hot days in the UK has been increasing and will continue to do so during the course of the century, with the most extreme temperatures expected to be observed in the southeast of England.

“Climate change has already influenced the likelihood of temperature extremes in the UK.

The chances of seeing 40C days in the UK could be as much as 10 times more likely in the current climate than under a natural climate unaffected by human influence.”

London Fire Brigade advice

The LFB has warned about the risks of swimming in London’s waterways as the weather gets hotter.

The advice comes after sadly one teenage boy lost his life at Fairlop Waters, Redbridge, where firefighters were part of the rescue search for him.

There were nine accidental drownings in London last year, making it the joint third highest in the UK, despite not having a coastline.

Charlie Pugsley, Assistant Commissioner, said: “No matter how hot things get, the brigade is reminding people to think carefully before diving into water.

“Sadly, crews were called to nine incidents in the past year where someone died due to accidental drowning.

“With a sizzling six-week long school holiday ahead we want people to enjoy their summer by swimming in designated safe swimming areas while also warning people about just how easy it is to get into difficulty.

“There is the risk of cold water shock, which can cause your body to go into shock no matter how fit you are. It causes panic, anxiety, disorientation and loss of muscular control, which cause you to gasp for air and as a result, inhale water.”