The UK is bracing itself for a sweltering Wednesday evening as a rare summer power supply warning has been issued by the National Energy System Operator (Neso). The extreme temperatures, which are set to reach record highs of 38C in south-east England, are putting immense pressure on the energy system.
Neso has sounded the alarm, issuing an electricity margin notice that requires power plant owners to generate an extra 1,900 megawatts of electricity to meet the increased demand. This is not a typical request for summer months but rather more commonly associated with cold winter spells when heating demands are high.
The heatwave is expected to drive up demand between 7pm and 10pm on Wednesday, as people turn to electric fans and air conditioning units in an attempt to stay cool. Train operators are urging passengers to only travel if necessary, schools have been closed in southern England and Wales, and hospital appointments have been cancelled due to the strain on infrastructure.
The situation is a stark reminder of the impact that record-breaking temperatures can have on everyday life, not just on the energy grid. With temperatures set to soar even higher on Thursday, reaching 39C in some areas, the challenges facing Neso and the UK's power network are becoming increasingly pressing.