Red warning extended for West Midlands heatwave
The Met Office has extended its rare red weather warning for extreme heat across the West Midlands, including Birmingham, the Black Country, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, and Herefordshire. Initially in place from 9am on Wednesday, June 24, to 9pm on Thursday, June 25, the warning now remains active until 11.59pm on Thursday. The extension also adds areas along the south coast of England, such as Brighton, Portsmouth, Southampton, Bournemouth, and Dorchester, as confidence in extreme temperatures and humidity has increased.
Exceptional hot and humid conditions forecast
The Met Office described the spell as 'exceptional' with hot and humid weather expected. Forecasters predict maximum temperatures in the shade could exceed 37°C, potentially reaching 38°C to 40°C in some places. High humidity will exacerbate discomfort and health impacts, with very warm nights reducing the ability to recover. The warning originally covered the East Midlands, east of England, London, south east England, south west England, and Wales.
Potential record-breaking temperatures
Weather experts anticipate that June's all-time daily temperature record will be broken. The current UK June record is 35.6°C, set in Southampton in 1976 and Camden Square in 1957. The Wales June record of 33.7°C from 2000 is also likely to be broken. While Scotland's June record of 32.2°C and Northern Ireland's 30.8°C are less likely to fall, daytime temperatures in the high 20s to low 30s°C are expected there.
Public urged to take precautions
The Met Office warned of significant disruption to daily life and urged the public to take precautions and adapt routines. 'During the heatwave expected to affect a large part of England and Wales this week, the affected areas look increasingly likely to see a two to three day period where maximum temperatures in the shade exceed 37°C, perhaps rising to 38°C to 40°C in some places,' the Met Office stated. '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.'
