The Met Office has issued Red and Amber Extreme Heat Warning for Wednesday and Thursday, with June’s all-time daily record temperature forecast to be broken.
Many people cope well with the heat and enjoy the chance make the most of the temperatures but for people in vulnerable groups it’s a different story.
That’s why alerts are important.
North Yorkshire is currently affected by two alerts, one from the Met Office and one from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Both are Amber alerts, the UKHSA one cover all of Northern England and the Met Office one stretches from the South Coast to the Selby/Sherburn area.
The Red alert is for further south.
Hot and humid weather is expected to continue with exceptionally warm temperatures both day and night. It is the humidity that will make it feel more uncomfortable than the 2022 Heatwave.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA said:
Very hot weather is forecast across large parts of England in the coming days and we are urging health and social care services across the country to ensure they are prepared. It is vitally important that people understand the risk posed by high temperatures like these, and take steps to keep themselves and their friends, families and neighbours safe.
North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue says: “We know no-one likes being told what to do, but a few simple steps can help keep you, your family and our local area safe.
“Please check on vulnerable friends and neighbours who may struggle in the heat in this week.
“If you’re having a BBQ at home, keep it well away from hedges, trees, fences and buildings. When you’re finished, make sure the coals are completely cool before putting them in the bin.
If you’re heading to the countryside, please park carefully so emergency vehicles can get through if needed. Take your rubbish home with you, especially glass bottles and dispose of smoking materials safely.
If you’re visiting open water pay attention to warning signs and flags. Even on a hot day, the water will still be very cold. Enter the water slowly to give your body time to adjust, rather than jumping straight in. Be aware of hidden risks such as strong currents and objects under the water.
“If you see someone in trouble in the water, call 999 and ask for the fire service inland or the Coastguard at the coast, look for something you can throw to them and encourage them to float on their back if they can.”
There is also a warning to parents to keep their children out of a canal lock south of Selby. Read more at YorkMix here.
Trains subject to delays and cancellations
The heat is also affecting rail services with advice not to travel over the next couple of days unless it is essential.
Rail Operators have been trimming timetables so check before you travel. Already Northern have cut services on the line from York to Leeds via Poppleton and Cattal.
LNER says it will be running fewer services too. To help they have withdrawn many ticket restrictions give passengers more flexibility.
Again check before you travel.
Hot weather may cause trains to be disrupted. Heat can cause overhead lines to expand and sag, it can lead to line-side fires and also cause rails to buckle.
The high humidity may also lead to possible thunderstorms in some areas.
Speed restrictions may be in place which can cause delays and cancellations.
