The Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning for extreme heat across five areas in the Midlands, with temperatures expected to reach up to 40°C. The warning, which covers a 36-hour period from 9am on Wednesday, June 24 to 9pm on Thursday, June 25, comes as a 'heat dome' settles over western Europe.
Affected Areas
The red warning applies to the following Midlands areas: Herefordshire, Warwickshire, the West Midlands Conurbation, Worcestershire, and Northamptonshire. These regions are 'increasingly likely' to experience maximum temperatures in the shade exceeding 37°C, with some places possibly reaching 38°C to 40°C, according to the Met Office.
Health Impacts and Precautions
The Met Office warned that 'impacts to the general population are highly likely' due to the exceptional spell of hot and humid weather. They added: 'The heat will be accompanied by high humidity, exacerbating the potential for discomfort and health impacts, with very warm and humid night times also reducing the ability for people to recover overnight.' Significant disruption to daily life is expected, and the public is urged to take precautions and adapt routines to cope with the heat, which is 'extremely rare for the UK.'
Record-Breaking Potential
Weather experts believe this heatwave could surpass the previous June record of 35.6°C set in Hampshire in 1976. The heat dome is expected to bring temperatures of up to 40°C by Wednesday, June 24.
