The Met Office has issued a series of heat warnings as an intense spell of hot weather is set to grip the region this week, with amber alerts in place today and tomorrow before conditions escalate to a rare red warning on Wednesday and Thursday.
Forecasters say temperatures could exceed 37°C in some areas, with the hottest locations potentially reaching between 38°C and 40°C. High humidity and exceptionally warm nights are also expected, making it difficult for people to cool down and recover from the heat overnight.
The Met Office warns that the heat is likely to have significant impacts on health and wellbeing, with disruption to daily life expected. Residents are being urged to adapt their routines where possible, stay hydrated and avoid prolonged periods in the sun during the hottest parts of the day.
While amber warnings indicate the potential for adverse effects on vulnerable people and some disruption to services, the red alert for Wednesday and Thursday signals a much more serious situation. The Met Office says there could be widespread impacts across the population, not just those considered most vulnerable to extreme heat.
The red warning also highlights the risk of failures to heat-sensitive infrastructure and equipment, potentially affecting essential services including power, water, transport and communications. Travel disruption is also possible, with delays on roads and rail networks likely as temperatures peak.
With many people expected to head to beaches, rivers and lakes in search of relief from the heat, the Met Office is also urging residents to take care around water and be aware of the increased risk of water-related incidents.
People are advised to keep an eye on the latest forecasts and follow public health advice as the hottest days of the week approach.
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