UK weather heatwave forecast: Red alert as first national emergency declared

Network Rail has warned people not to travel unless absolutely necessary given the high temperatures forecast for Monday and Tuesday, with speed restrictions and disruptions likely.

Network Rail Group Director System Operator Jake Kelly said: “Rail travelers in England and Wales should travel on Mondays and Tuesdays 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.

“Remember to bring a water bottle along with anything else you might need to keep yourself comfortable in the heat.

“Water bottles can be refilled for free at most Network Rail-managed stations.

“Journeys will take significantly longer and delays are likely as speed limits are put in place to ensure the safety of passengers and rail staff. So allow significantly more time to complete your trip and be prepared for very hot conditions.”

As the UK braces for summer temperatures approaching 40C, the met office issued his First red warning for much of England on Monday and Tuesday, warning the public the heat is likely to be severe enough to cause “serious illness or danger to life”.

The UK Health Security Agency has also a Level 4 national emergencythe related notification, which warns that the high temperatures could mean “disease and death can occur among the fit and healthy.”

Hospital practices have made the decision to cancel surgeries due to “very high temperatures”.

Joe Harrison, CEO of Milton Keynes University Hospital, said: “We have made the decision to cancel routine outpatient appointments and surgeries on Monday and Tuesday as many of the patients traveling to these appointments are frail and at increased risk and due to the unpredictable nature of very high temperatures when needed for emergency care and care environments.

“We will do everything we can to keep the wards and departments as cool as possible, but we know this will be a challenge given the very high temperature outside.

“We have solid plans and contingency plans in place and will keep social media channels and our website updated with any changing information.”

Train travelers have been preparing for this for weeks industrial action by train crewsTravelers are warned to expect longer trips during the upcoming heatwave.

Meteorologists say the temperature in parts of England could hit 40C for the first time on Monday or Tuesday. A red warning from the Met Office applies to part of the nation from south London to Lancashire and Yorkshire.

Our travel correspondent writes that general speed limits are to be imposed on large parts of the rail network Simon Kalder.

Boris Johnson is working at Checkers on Friday, where he plans to stay over the weekend, but Downing Street could not say if he will take part in heatwave discussions.

A No. 10 spokesman said: “Cobra met yesterday and officials from across the government will meet regularly both today and throughout the weekend.”

Asked if the Prime Minister was involved, the spokesman said: “As always, the Prime Minister will be kept updated with the latest information.”

When asked if he would be attending Checkers’ talks, the spokesperson added: “He has been kept thoroughly updated on the latest situation.”

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) advises on Euro 2022 matches to be played during the heatwave.

Speaking of emergency response, a No10 spokesperson said: “Another example is that DCMS is working with sports sector bodies and the organizations of major events taking place next week such as; B. the Women’s Euro.”

When asked if it could result in matches being cancelled, the spokesperson said: “I believe it will be more advisory, the organization of the event is up to the organizers but DCMS will be working with sporting authorities.”

A pupils was placed in a “prison-like” isolation room for wearing shorts to school amid a national heatwave, his father says.

Harrison Utting, 13, was sent to a special room at Westlands Secondary School in Sittingbourne, kent for showing up shirtless on Monday morning.

The boy’s father, Terry Utting, has criticized the school for its measures as temperatures continue to rise across the UK and Weather Warnings are provided.

my colleague Furvah Shah | Reports:

People should take water with them when they travel early next week, said Commons deputy spokesman Nigel Evans.

His comments came as Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting made a point of order in the House of Commons, saying: “The Met Office has issued a red alert for the first time as a result of the heatwave the country is likely to experience on Monday and Tuesday next week.

“I wonder if you have been informed by the Department for Health and Social Care of the intention to make a Public Health Impact Statement to this House. Not least because this red warning is a life-threatening warning and of course the newspapers, the television screens and the airwaves are full of reports from overwhelmed rescue services and emergency call centers.

“Given the fact that the Foreign Secretary failed to answer my urgent question on Wednesday, I would have thought the invisible man would show up today to give the public the advice and reassurance that our public services and our emergency services are in position.” will be able to deal with light of this emergency.”

Mr Evans said he had received “no notification” there would be a statement in the House of Commons from DHSC or other departments, adding: “It is about time he made this point of order for people to seek advice should because these are unusual circumstances and people should take water with them when traveling.

“And indeed make sure there is adequate ventilation and if they are uncomfortable then they should look into it.”

Hammersmith Bridge is wrapped in silver foil to protect it from the heat as temperatures soar this weekend.

Downing Street has said speed restrictions on railway lines may be required as part of contingency plans as temperatures rise next week.”

A No10 spokesman said talks with sectors, including the NHS, would “continue working closely with all those sectors today, over the weekend and into early next week”.

“Specialist teams from Network Rail and TfL (Transport for London) will continue to monitor the effects of high temperatures to ensure they can keep services running safely and reliably for customers,” he added.

“It may be that next week speed limits will be introduced in some parts of the network to deal with the hot weather and avoid possible damage.

“The DfT (Department for Transport) is working with port operators and motorway authorities, as well as the police, to ensure plans are in place, particularly in places where you may see queues.