The West Midlands is enduring a prolonged spell of extreme heat this week, with a rare red alert from the Met Office set to end and be immediately followed by an amber warning.
Current Red Alert in Force
A red alert for 'extreme heat' is currently active for Birmingham and the wider West Midlands. The Met Office states: "An exceptional spell of hot and humid weather is expected across this region, with impacts to the general population highly likely." The warning highlights "population-wide adverse health effects" that "are not limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat, leading to serious illness or danger to life."
The red alert came into effect at 9am on June 24 and will remain in place until 11:59pm on June 25. It covers Birmingham, Solihull, Coventry, and most of the Black Country, as well as large parts of southern England and southern Wales.
Amber Alert Follows Immediately
Once the red alert ends, an amber alert for extreme heat begins at 12am on Friday, June 27, and runs until 11:59pm that same day. This 24-hour amber warning covers all of Birmingham and the Black Country, stretching from northwest England down to the southeast.
While less severe than a red alert, the Met Office warns: "Hot and humid weather is expected to continue, with exceptionally warm temperatures both day and night."
Safety Advice
The Met Office advises: "Keep yourself safe by following these simple steps to reduce the likelihood of the heat making you feel unwell; drink plenty of fluids, keep out of the sun and avoid any exercise between 11am to 3pm when the sun is strongest and close curtains in rooms that face the sun. If you are going out take water with you, stay in the shade, wear sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat."
