A red alert has been issued for the south coast of England, with the Met Office warning of a prolonged period of extreme heat. Temperatures are expected to reach a scorching 37C in some areas, with the New Forest and Christchurch being the most affected regions. This is a rare occurrence, with the Met Office only issuing a red alert in extreme circumstances. The heat warning is in place until 6pm on Friday, with residents being advised to take precautions to stay safe in the heat.
The Met Office has issued a heat health alert for the region, warning of the dangers of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Residents are being advised to stay hydrated, stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, and check on vulnerable neighbours. The organisation has also issued guidance on how to keep cool, including using fans, keeping windows open at night, and avoiding strenuous activity.
Regional breakdowns show that temperatures will be particularly high in the south west of England, with the Met Office predicting highs of 36C in some areas. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland will also experience hot temperatures, but not to the same extent as the south coast. The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for other parts of the country, with temperatures expected to reach the mid-30s in some areas.
Practical safety advice includes staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, avoiding strenuous activity, and seeking shade or air-conditioning when possible. Residents are also being advised to check on vulnerable neighbours, such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, to make sure they are staying safe in the heat.
The heat warning is expected to have a significant impact on the region, with residents being advised to take precautions to stay safe. The Met Office has warned that the heat could lead to increased hospital admissions, particularly for heat-related illnesses.