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1 hour ago
By Doug Faulkner & Charley Adams
BBC News
A national emergency has been declared after a red extreme heat warning was issued for the first time, as temperatures could hit 40C (104F).
The Met Office's highest warning covers an area including London, Manchester and York on Monday and Tuesday.
It means there is a risk to life and daily routines will need to change.
Speed restrictions are likely on railway lines, some schools will close early and some hospital appointments will be cancelled.
On the roads, gritters are planning to spread sand to reduce melting, and the RAC has warned more drivers will need help as cars overheat.
On top of the Met Office warning, the UK Health Security Agency issued its highest level four heat alert to health and care bodies - warning illness and death could occur "among the fit and healthy".
NHS leaders on Friday evening warned there would be greater demand for ambulances and patients could be at risk if left outside hospitals in emergency vehicles in hot weather.
In a letter they said ambulances should not wait outside emergency departments more than 30 minutes before offloading patients.
... It is the first time a red heat warning has been issued for parts of the UK, although the extreme heat warning system was only introduced in 2021.
Downing Street said the alert was being treated as a national emergency. Officials met on Friday and will meet again during the weekend to discuss the response.
... The heatwave - originating in north Africa - is spreading across Europe and has fuelled wildfires in Portugal, France and Spain.
By Doug Faulkner & Charley Adams
BBC News
A national emergency has been declared after a red extreme heat warning was issued for the first time, as temperatures could hit 40C (104F).
The Met Office's highest warning covers an area including London, Manchester and York on Monday and Tuesday.
It means there is a risk to life and daily routines will need to change.
Speed restrictions are likely on railway lines, some schools will close early and some hospital appointments will be cancelled.
On the roads, gritters are planning to spread sand to reduce melting, and the RAC has warned more drivers will need help as cars overheat.
On top of the Met Office warning, the UK Health Security Agency issued its highest level four heat alert to health and care bodies - warning illness and death could occur "among the fit and healthy".
NHS leaders on Friday evening warned there would be greater demand for ambulances and patients could be at risk if left outside hospitals in emergency vehicles in hot weather.
In a letter they said ambulances should not wait outside emergency departments more than 30 minutes before offloading patients.
... It is the first time a red heat warning has been issued for parts of the UK, although the extreme heat warning system was only introduced in 2021.
Downing Street said the alert was being treated as a national emergency. Officials met on Friday and will meet again during the weekend to discuss the response.
... The heatwave - originating in north Africa - is spreading across Europe and has fuelled wildfires in Portugal, France and Spain.
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