Red extreme heat warning: What it means and how worried you need to be

There's a 50 per cent chance temperatures will hit 40C

A red weather warning has been put in place for the first time ever in the UK, as temperatures are forecast to hit 40C next week. Met Office announced the extreme heat warning on Friday, adding that Brits could face severe impacts as a result of the unprecedented heat. Here's everything you need to know about it: [caption id="attachment_348532" align="alignnone" width="1004"] A red weather warning has been put in place across large parts of England on Monday and Tuesday (Met Office)[/caption]

What does a red weather warning actually mean?

A red weather warning is the highest warning, and it is the first time the Met Office has issued one, although the extreme heat warning system was only introduced in 2021. The red warning, which is in place on Monday and Tuesday, covers London and the Midlands and goes as far north as Manchester and York. As well as the red warning an amber warning remains in place across most of England. [caption id="attachment_348531" align="alignnone" width="1050"] The weather warning impact matrix (Image: Met Office)[/caption] "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 forecaster's definition states.

How worried should we be?

A national emergency has been declared, which happens when "a heatwave is so severe and/or prolonged that its effects extend outside the health and social care system," the government's heatwave plan states. Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said it was "potentially a very serious situation" with a 50 per cent chance of temperatures reaching 40C somewhere in the UK - likely along the A1 corridor. The step up in warning level to red is running parrell to an increase in the current Heat Health Warning to Level 4 for England by the UK Health Security Agency. NHS staff fear being overwhelmed by heat-related casualties, of which there are 2000 on average in England every year. https://twitter.com/metoffice/status/1547882528832270337

Met Office also adds that a risk to life is very likely when a red weather warning in place. Such extreme temperatures can cause health problems, leading to serious illness or death.

Speaking to The Mirror, climate change senior lecturer John Grant said: "I think hundreds are going to die in the UK if not ­thousands, that’s my fear if we hit temperatures of 40C. "It’s terrifying what will happen if we don’t have a management plan and get cooling centres ready."

Substantial disruption to travel, energy supplies is also likely, and widespread damage to property and infrastructure is possible. A water main that burst at Gatwick Airport on Thursday already forced restaurants and toilets to close.

Brits should avoid travelling where possible, and follow the advice of the emergency services and local authorities. https://twitter.com/DHSCgovuk/status/1547121148072263680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1547121148072263680%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.joe.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fthousands-could-die-heatwave-hit-40-348488 It is worth noting that two COBRA meetings have already been held this week, in which senior government members devised a plan to manage the impacts of the extreme heat. The Prime Minister's spokesperson said "significant work" had already been done to prepare, and that contingency measures have been enacted. Related stories:

• You might soon be able to stop working if your office gets too hot as MPs table motion
• Don't Look Up: Tory leadership candidates rip up climate pledges as Britain bakes in the heat
• Ice cream shop opens selling PG Tips, Frosties and HP Sauce flavours