The mercury is set to soar in Banbury this weekend as a rare red weather warning for extreme heat is issued for the area. Temperatures could reach unprecedented levels, potentially breaking the UK's all-time temperature record of 38.7°C set in Cambridge in July 2019.
Forecasters say a plume of hot air from North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula is being drawn across the UK, bringing with it temperatures that could exceed 40°C. The warning covers not just Banbury but a broad area of England, particularly the Midlands and parts of the South East, as well as other regions under amber warnings.
In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, temperatures will be above average but significantly lower than those expected in some English areas. For example, while Northern Ireland may see temperatures in the high 20s Celsius, parts of Scotland could experience temperatures in the low 30s Celsius.
The Met Office is urging people to take immediate precautions: stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, seek shade between 11:00 and 16:00, and avoid strenuous physical activity. Vulnerable individuals should be checked on regularly, while employers are advised to consider flexible working arrangements and provide cool environments for staff.
Transport networks will also feel the strain, with roads experiencing surface melting and rail lines potentially buckling under the heat, leading to delays and cancellations. The public is advised to check travel updates before embarking on journeys, while there's an increased risk of wildfires due to dry conditions.
The warning remains in place until 18th July, when temperatures are expected to begin cooling slightly. Until then, residents are urged to exercise extreme caution in the face of this severe weather event.