TRAIN RIDE
The Met Office says delays and cancellations of rail travel are possible, with “potential for significant welfare problems for those experiencing even moderate delays”.
And Network Rail has warned people not to travel in high temperatures unless absolutely necessary, with speed restrictions and disruption likely.
Network Rail Group Director System Operator Jake Kelly said: “Rail travelers in England and Wales should travel on Monday and Tuesday only if necessary as there will be delays and cancellations of train services due to the unprecedented heat we expect.
“The well-being of our passengers is our top priority, so we ask all passengers who choose to travel to take the time to prepare before leaving home.”
Network Rail has warned services across the UK may be subject to speed restrictions to avoid buckling, with Avanti West Coast, South Western Railway and Heathrow Express among operators warning of potential disruptions. West Midlands Trains and London Northwestern Railway have already imposed restrictions on parts of their network this week.
ROADS
The Met Office says delays on roads and road closures are possible during the heat warning period.
The RAC has urged motorists to “think carefully before driving and do everything possible to avoid breaking down”. It states that when the engine is cold, motorists should check the coolant and oil levels under the hood.
It added: “If temperatures were to soar as high as around 40C, as some are predicting, people should question their decision to drive at all.”
Hampshire County Council is preparing to use spreaders in response to melting roads, saying the machines will spread light sand dusts that “act like a sponge to soak up excess bitumen”.
Motorists who find tar on their tires are advised to wash it off with warm, soapy water.
AIRPORTS
The Met Office has warned that air travel could also be disrupted during the heat. This is because in very hot weather, reduced air density can make aircraft too heavy to take off, resulting in a lack of lift.
This happened during a summer 2018 heatwave at London City Airport, when some passengers had to be removed to allow services to be light enough to take off on the relatively short runway.
Utilities
The Met Office has warned that failure of “heat-sensitive systems and equipment” is possible. This could result in an outage of electricity and other essential services such as water, electricity and gas.
Hot weather can cause high loads on the power grid as people turn on fans and air conditioners — and the heat can also cause overhead lines and transformers to drop in efficiency.
JOBS
The Met Office says the extreme heat “will require changes in work practices and daily routines”.
There is no specific law for a maximum working temperature or when it is too hot to work.
However, employers are expected to ensure that in offices or similar environments, the temperature at the workplace must be “reasonable”. Businesses must comply with health and safety laws, which include maintaining temperature at a comfortable level, known as “thermal comfort”; and ensures clean and fresh air.
The trade union congress is calling for workers to be allowed to start work earlier or stay longer, leave jackets and ties in the closet and take regular breaks during heat waves. It also calls for an absolute maximum indoor temperature of 30 °C (86 °F) – or 27 °C (81 °F) for strenuous jobs – to legislate when work should stop.
HEALTH
The Met Office said adverse health effects “could be experienced by all, not just those most vulnerable to extreme heat resulting in serious illness or danger to life” during the alert period.
In addition, the charity Asthma and Lung UK has warned that up to three million asthmatics could be affected by high pollen levels and should therefore be using their inhalers.
SCHOOLS
Plans to cope with the heat created by the NHS and UKHSA say children should not engage in “vigorous physical activity” when temperatures rise above 30C (86F).
Some sports days have been canceled this week, while official advice suggests delaying school starts, finishes and breaks to avoid the hottest points of the day.
