The Met Office has issued the first-ever Red warning for “exceptional heat” as temperatures of 40°C have been forecast in the UK.
The national weather service has forecasted that exceptional heat is expected to affect a large part of England early next week – with temperatures likely in to be in the high 30°Cs in some places, and the most extreme cases, it could potentially even reach 40°C.
The Red extreme heat national severe weather warning will cover parts of central, northern, eastern, and southeastern England on Monday 18 July and Tuesday 19 July.
This elevated weather warning comes after an an Amber Extreme heat warning, has been in place for much of England and Wales for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday (17-19July) since earlier this week – but as of today, the Met Office says the amber areas are also being extended to cover Cornwall, west Wales, and parts of southern Scotland too.
“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,” explained Paul Gundersen, Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office.
“Currently, there is a 50% chance we could see temperatures top 40°C, and 80% we will see a new maximum temperature reached.
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“Nights are also likely to be exceptionally warm, especially in urban areas.
“This is likely to lead to widespread impacts on people and infrastructure, and therefore, it is important people plan for the heat and consider changing their routines. This level of heat can have adverse health effects.”
Met Office issues the UK’s first ever Red warning for ‘extreme heat’ / Credit: Met Office
The step up in warning level to red is running parrell to an increase in the current Heat Health Warning to Level 4 for England by the UK Health Security Agency.
Level 4 is used when a heatwave is so severe and/or prolonged that its effects extend outside the health and social care system, and at this level, illness may occur among fit and healthy people – not just those in high-risk groups.
Will it really hit 40 C within the next week? ☀️🥵
Here's Alex with an explanation of whether or not we think it's likely to happen 👇 pic.twitter.com/KnsPkJ2qql
Speaking ahead of the arrival of the warm weather, Dr Agostinho Sousa – Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA – said: “Heat-health alerts have now been issued to the majority of the country, with temperatures set to remain consistently high throughout the duration of the weekend and the start of next week.
“It is important to keep yourself hydrated and to find shade where possible when UV rays are strongest, between 11am and 3pm.
“If you have vulnerable family, friends and neighbours, make sure they are aware of how they can keep themselves protected from the warm weather.”
Peter Kay announces four intimate charity shows in Greater Manchester – but only for these postcodes
Emily Sergeant
Peter Kay has just announced four intimate shows to raise money for a very worthy cause… but you can only get tickets if you live in these particular postcodes.
Comedy legend Peter Kay is set to return home to the Bolton Albert Halls for four very special hometown shows in this summer, marking his first performances at the venue more than two decades.
Taking to the very stage where he recorded the UK’s biggest-selling stand-up DVD, it’s set to be a proper nostalgic homecoming for one of Britain’s most beloved comedians.
The summer shows – which are taking place from 9 – 11 July 2026, even including a matinee performance – this is a rare chance for local fans to be part of something incredibly special, with all funds raised going to Bolton Hospice.
But, there’s a bit of a catch… you’ll only be able to get tickets if you live in Bolton (and some parts of Bury), as it’s strictly limited to BL postcodes.
Peter Kay Live at the Bolton Albert Halls – 2026 Dates
Thursday 9 July (Evening)
Friday 10 July (Evening)
Saturday 11 July (Matinee)
Saturday 11 July (Evening)
Tickets officially go on sale Friday 24 April at 10am, and you can get your hands on them here.
Featured Image – Supplied
News
Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic
Emily Sergeant
A new survey has revealed that seven in 10 NHS workers believe the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic if one should arise.
After the recent meningitis B outbreak in Kent last month raised the conversation of mass contagion once again, of course following the COVID-19 pandemic, a new YouGov survey of more than 1,000 NHS workers has now uncovered how well prepared staff in the health service think it is for another global pandemic.
The results show that 69% of staff surveyed think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic, and to make matters worse, 26% of those even say it’s ‘very poorly’ prepared.
Only one in five (22%) think the NHS is could properly handle another pandemic, but statistically, YouGov claims none of those surveyed said it’s ‘very well’ prepared.
Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic / Credit: Pxhere | Rawpixel
When workers were asked how the NHS’s level of preparedness now compares to prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 41% did concede that they think it is better prepared now than 2020, however 37% admitted they think it’s no better prepared.
16% actively think it’s less well-prepared now than it was prior to 2020.
This marked a new era of ‘transparency’ and ‘accountability’ in the NHS, with the league tables delivering on the Government’s promise to drive up standards, tackle variation in care, and ensure people get the high-quality service they rightly expect.
Every trust in England – from urgent and emergency care, through to elective operations and mental health services – will now be ranked quarterly against ‘clear and consistent’ standards.
Emily Sergeant -
15th July 2022 
