A red warning has been issued, meaning 'dangerous' weather is expected across Milton Keynes.
It comes as The Met Office predicts a 50% chance of temperatures hitting 40 degrees in MK at the beginning of next week. The dangerous weather warning is in place from 00:00 on Monday 18th July until 23:59 on Tuesday 19th July.
This is the first time that such warning has been issued in England, with forecasters predicting an 80% chance of temperatures topping the UK's highest ever recorded.
The Met Office's warning suggests that the heat could become a danger to life. Government advice is that 999 services should be used in emergencies only.
"Dangerous weather is expected and, if you haven’t already done so, you should take action now to keep yourself and others safe from the impact of the severe weather," The Met Office explains.
"It is very likely that there will be a risk to life, with substantial disruption to travel, energy supplies and possibly widespread damage to property and infrastructure. You should avoid travelling, where possible, and follow the advice of the emergency services and local authorities."
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, offers the following advice: “Heat-health alerts have now been issued to the majority of the country, with temperatures set to remain consistently high throughout the duration of the weekend and the start of next week.
“It is important to keep yourself hydrated and to find shade where possible when UV rays are strongest, between 11am and 3pm.
“If you have vulnerable family, friends and neighbours, make sure they are aware of how they can keep themselves protected from the warm weather.’’
This comes as Milton Keynes residents were yesterday (14/7), warned to only call 999 in an emergency as services face pressure. A rise in Covid patients being admitted to local hospitals, coupled with the impact that the current heat wave is having, is resulting in local hospitals and ambulance services struggling to cope with demand, NHS bosses say.
You can find warning and advice on The Met Office website here.
