UK weather: 'Severe' risks as 35C heatwave to cause hottest day of year today

Brits are bracing for the hottest day of the year today as the mercury is tipped to top 35C in places.

But those lucky enough to face the warmestweatherare being warned to be careful with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issuing an amber alert which is in place until 6pm on Tuesday. And the head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA has urged people to check on those who are more vulnerable and take “sensible precautions while enjoying the sun”.

Holidaymakersin Europe are also being warned to keep cool as the continent swelters in a 42C ‘heat dome’ with ambulances on standby near tourist hotspots in Spain, Portugal, and France and heat stroke pathways set up in some hospitals in Italy.

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Back home parts of south-east England could then hit 35C by Tuesday, forecaster Matthew Lenhert said, which would be hotter than Barbados. And Wimbledonis set for its hottest opening day on record, and could even see the highest temperature ever recorded during the tournament.

London Fire Brigade assistant commissioner Thomas Goodall said: “London is already facing its second heatwave of the year and we know that people will be looking forward to getting outside to enjoy the wonderful weather.

“But the high temperatures and low rainfall in recent months means the current risk of wildfires is severe. During this latest heatwave, it is important everyone acts responsibly to prevent fires from occurring. As the weather has been so dry, it only takes a few sparks to lead to a fire spreading rapidly.”

An official heatwave is recorded when areas reach a certain temperature for three consecutive days, with thresholds varying from 25C to 28C in different parts of the UK.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) recently warned of the pitfalls of hot weather and is urging the public to take heat and water safety seriously - both at home and abroad.

NHS figures reveal that 30 people in the UK died from excessive natural heat between 2013 and 2022, with 2022 marking a record year for heat-related deaths. Between 2013/14 and 2022/3, there were around 2,100 hospital admissions in the UK due to exposure to excessive natural heat.

During 2022’s heatwave, where temperatures rose past 40C, there were 320 hospitalisations - the highest number in that decade from 2013/4 to 2022/3.

Looking at similar data, RoSPA’s Safer Lives, Stronger Nation report also highlights a growing risk from extreme heat. Hospital admissions due to over-exposure to natural heat have more than tripled in the past two decades, rising from an average of 72 per year in the early 2000s to 232 annually in recent years.

Steve Cole, Policy Director at RoSPA, said: “Heat is no longer just a holiday perk—it’s a growing public health risk.

“We’re seeing more frequent and intense heatwaves, both in the UK and globally, and the data shows a clear rise in heat-related illness and fatalities.

“Warm weather can also be deceptive when it comes to going for a dip. While the air may feel hot, water temperatures often remain dangerously cold, which can lead to cold water shock, even in summer.”

In mainland Europe, where thousands of Brits are enjoying their summer holidays, an intense heatwave has taken hold with some countries reaching temperatures of above 40C.

Authorities there are urging people to seek shelter and protect the most vulnerable as punishing temperatures from Spain to Portugal, Italy and France climbed higher in the summer’s first major heatwave. Ambulances were on standby near tourist hotspots and regions issued fire warnings as experts warned that such heatwaves, intensified by climate change, would become more frequent.

Peaks of 43C were expected in areas of southern Spain and Portugal, while nearly all of France is sweltering in heat expected to last for several days. In Italy, 21 cities were on high alert for extreme heat, including Milan, Naples, Venice, Florence and Rome.

Hospitals like the Ospedale dei Colli in Naples have set up dedicated heat stroke pathways to speed access to vital treatments like cold water immersion. In Venice, authorities offered free guided tours for people over 75's in air-conditioned museums and public buildings.

Bologna has set up seven “climate shelters” with air conditioning and drinking water, Florence has called on doctors to flag up the lonely and vulnerable, Ancona is delivering dehumidifiers to the needy, and Rome has offered free access to city swimming pools for those over 70.

In Spain the national weather agency, Aemet, has issued a special warning with sweltering highs of 42C set to hit southern parts of the country in the coming days.

And in Portugal, several areas in the southern half of the country, including the capital Lisbon, are under a red warning for heat until this evening due to “persistently extremely high maximum temperature values”, according to the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA).

Two-thirds of Portugal was on high alert Sunday for extreme heat and forest fires, as was the Italian island of Sicily, where firefighters tackled 15 blazes on Saturday.

In Britain the amber alert for warm weather stretches across London, the East Midlands, South East, South West and East of England. But elsewhere a yellow heat alert, less serious than amber, has also been issued for Yorkshire and Humber as well as the West Midlands. It denotes “significant impacts” for the health and social care services.

In northern and western areas people may see cloudier skies with showers or thunderstorms, particularly in northern England, the Scottish Borders, and north-east Wales. The hottest ever July 1 on record was in 2015, when the temperature hit 36.7C.

The country’s current record high for June rests at 35.6C, set in Southampton’s Mayflower Park in 1957 and met again at Camden Square in North London in 1976.

The TUC is warning that workers who are outside for lengthy periods in high temperatures are at serious risk of sunstroke, heat stress and even skin cancer.

Working in hot weather can also lead to dehydration, tiredness, muscle cramps, fainting, and – in the most extreme cases – loss of consciousness.

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “Nobody should have to work in unsafe circumstances, but working outside in the intense heat and sunlight of a heatwave is a serious hazard.

“Employers should allow flexible working hours to avoid the hottest parts of the day, and provide regular breaks, plenty of water, sunscreen, and suitable clothing.

“If you’re concerned about your working conditions, joining a union is the best way to make sure that your safety is respected by your employer.”