First Published Jul 12, 2022, 3:46 PM IST
ThatThe Met Office warns that there is a risk of a heat wave in Britain as a result of global climate change. Reports also state that a national heat wave emergency is likely to be declared if there are no significant changes in temperatures. If so, it would be the first heatwave emergency in Britain’s history. With record-breaking temperatures forecast to hit the country, the warning says there is a risk of ‘serious illness or death’.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported that it is likely to declare a national emergency with a ‘level for emergency’. The warning also says that this may lead to the death of the people of the country.
A UKHSA spokesman also told The Telegraph that a level four heatwave was likely. If the country’s temperature rises above 104F (40C), it raises the risk of a first-ever Level Four heat wave.
If the temperature continues and a heat wave emergency is declared, it will directly affect food supplies, disrupt roads and trains, close schools and shut down nuclear power plants.
There were reports of a field burning outside Ripon in North Yorkshire yesterday due to extreme heat. Meteorologists have warned that ‘abnormally high temperatures are likely from Sunday onwards, leading to widespread impacts on people and infrastructure.’
The heatwave is expected to cause major disruption to road, rail and air traffic. The public was asked to call 999 only in an emergency. “Significant changes in work methods and routines are likely to be required,” the Met Office said in a statement.
Unions have called for employees to be allowed to work from home when temperatures soar, and to ditch jackets and ties. However, some Conservative MPs have questioned the need for a national emergency and the potential problems it might cause,
The National Weather Service warns that temperatures might soar above 104F (40C), breaking the current record high of 101.6F (38.7C) set in 2019.
According to the notice, the schedule of schools will have to be revised and sports programs will have to be postponed in hot weather. A level three heat health alert, the level below a national emergency, has already been issued. Reports say that hospitals and care homes are taking special care.
Care home staff are advised to spray cold water on frail elderly residents or use wet washcloths on the back of their necks. People should eat more cold meals consisting of salad and fruits.
Also avoid using fans at temperatures above 95F (35C). It can also lead to dehydration, according to the official recommendation. According to reports, Hampshire County Council is preparing to deploy road graters to prevent the tar from melting in the heatwave.
