An Amber extreme heat warning is in place for Carlton, with the Met Office forecasting temperatures to hit 31C today before climbing to a sweltering 35C on Friday. The warning remains in force until 11:59pm tonight and extends through the whole of Friday, making this one of the hottest June spells the area has ever recorded.
Today’s peak of 31C will feel hotter because of high humidity, and Friday’s 35C high comes with a feels-like temperature of 34C. Very High pollen levels are forecast to continue throughout Thursday, Friday and Saturday, adding extra discomfort for hay fever sufferers. Matthew Lehnert, Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, said: “This is exceptional heat for June with temperature records expected to be broken this week. Red warnings are reserved for the most severe events and we’re expecting significant impacts from this heatwave, with health issues likely, even beyond those who are more vulnerable to the heat.”
The Carlton warning is part of a larger heat emergency gripping much of England and Wales. The Met Office has issued a rare Red Extreme Heat Warning—the highest alert level—for southern and central England and Wales, where temperatures could reach 38C. The UK’s June daily temperature record of 35.6C, set on 28 June 1976, is expected to fall. Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at the UK Health Security Agency, said a red heat health alert indicates “a risk to life for even the healthy population” but that simple actions like staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day and keeping your home cool “can make a big difference”.
Overnight temperatures across large parts of England and Wales are likely to stay above 20C, increasing the risk of heat-related illness. The current hot spell began on Monday 22 June, when Amber warnings were first raised, and has already caused significant disruption, including at least 10 motorists being taken to hospital after becoming stranded on the M25. The Met Office has also warned of thundery outbreaks and gusty winds in some western and southern areas on Thursday evening, with a separate Yellow Thunderstorm Warning highlighting the chance of sudden 50mph gusts.
Residents are urged to check on elderly neighbours and those with underlying health conditions, seek shade between 11am and 3pm, and drink plenty of water. Age UK has published guidance for older people, while the RNLI is warning that sea temperatures remain dangerously cold despite the air temperature, urging people not to be tempted into open water.
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