Unprecedented: Met Office issues the first RED Extreme heat warning

For the first time temperatures of 40°C have been forecast in the UK and the Met Office has issued the first ever Red warning for exceptional heat.

Exceptional heat is expected to affect a large part of England early next week, with temperatures likely in the high 30s C in some places and perhaps even reaching 40°C. 

The Red Extreme heat national severe weather warning will cover Monday and Tuesday (18th and 19th July) for parts of central, northern, eastern and southeastern England.

An Amber Extreme heat warning, has been in place for much of England and Wales for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday (17th – 19thJuly) since earlier this week. Today the amber areas are also being extended to cover Cornwall, west Wales and parts of southern Scotland.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Paul Gundersen, said “Exceptional, perhaps record-breaking temperatures are likely early next week, quite widely across the red warning area on Monday, and focussed a little more east and north on Tuesday. Currently there is a 50% chance we could see temperatures top 40°C and 80% we will see a new maximum temperature reached.

“Nights are also likely to be exceptionally warm, especially in urban areas. This is likely to lead to widespread impacts on people and infrastructure. Therefore, it is important people plan for the heat and consider changing their routines. This level of heat can have adverse health effects.”

The step up in warning level to red is running parrel to an increase in the current Heat Health Warning to Level 4 for England by the UK Health Security Agency.

The high pressure near the southern half of the UK, which has been responsible for this week’s warm weather, continues to dominate bringing largely dry and clear weather for most.

However, during the weekend, a developing southerly flow will allow very high temperatures currently building over the continent to start to spread northwards into the UK. Further north, eastern areas of Scotland could see temperatures in in the high 20°C in a few places, well above their average for the time of year.

Will we get record-breaking heat?

This is the first time we have forecast 40°C  in the UK. The current record high temperature in the UK is 38.7°C, which was reached at Cambridge Botanic Garden on 25 July in 2019.

Weather forecast models are run numerous times to help us quantify the likelihood of a particular event occurring and estimate the uncertainty which is always present in weather forecasting to some degree. Some models are now producing a 50% chance of maximum temperatures in excess of 40°C in isolated parts of the UK for the start of next week. Mid, to high, 30s Celsius will be seen more widely with an 80% chance we will exceed the current record.

What happens after Tuesday

Temperatures are expected to start to return closer to normal for the time of year from the middle of next week onwards as cooler air pushes across the country from the west.

You can find the latest forecast on our website, by following us on Twitter and Facebook, as well as on our mobile app which is available for iPhone from the App store and for Android from the Google Play store. Keep track of current weather warnings on the weather warning page

Is this due to climate change?

“We hoped we wouldn’t get to this situation but for the first time ever we are forecasting greater than 40°C in the UK” said Dr Nikos Christidis, cllimate attribution scientist at the Met Office.

“In a recent study we found that the likelihood of extremely hot days in the UK has been increasing and will continue to do so during the course of the century, with the most extreme temperatures expected to be observed in the southeast of England. 

“Climate change has already influenced the likelihood of temperature extremes in the UK. The chances of seeing 40°C days in the UK could be as much as 10 times more likely in the current climate than under a natural climate unaffected by human influence.

“The likelihood of exceeding 40°C anywhere in the UK in a given year has also been rapidly increasing, and, even with current pledges on emissions reductions, such extremes could be taking place every 15 years in the climate of 2100.”

A recent Met Office study found that summers which see days above 40°C somewhere in the UK have a return time of 100-300 years at present, even with current pledges on emissions reductions this can decrease to 15 years by 2100. 

Extreme heat events do occur within natural climate variation due to changes in global weather patterns. However, the increase in the frequency, duration, and intensity of these events over recent decades is clearly linked to the observed warming of the planet and can be attributed to human activity. 

The chances of seeing 40°C days in the UK could be as much as 10 times more likely in the current climate than under a natural climate unaffected by human influence. The likelihood of exceeding 40°C anywhere in the UK in a given year has also been rapidly increasing 

Whilst a 1°C background temperature increase may not seem significant, the resulting increase in the severity of extreme heat events is already evident in the observed record. This has widespread and significant impacts. 

Advice

A Level 4 UK Health Security Agency Heat Health Alert has been issued for Monday and Tuesday. This is level of alert is used when a heatwave is so severe and/or prolonged that its effects extend outside the health and social care system. At this level, illness may occur among the fit and healthy, and not just in high-risk groups.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “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.’’

Peter Jenkins, Director of Campaigns, Water UK said: “Water companies are seeing substantial demand during this extremely hot weather. We can all help ensure there’s enough to go around by being mindful of the amount of water we use while ensuring we stay hydrated and safe.

“By making just small changes indoors or in the garden you can have a big impact on our water consumption. Our Water’s Worth Saving campaign has a host of helpful top-tips showing the simple things we can all do to save this precious resource, so it remains readily available now and in the future.”

Mel Clarke, Customer Service Director for Operations at National Highways, said: “It is always important to plan ahead for your journey and this advice is no different during periods of hot weather. Our advice is that everyone should check their vehicles, such as tyres, coolant and oil levels, before heading out.”

Find out more about driving in hot weather with National Highways.

Government advice is that 999 services should be used in emergencies only; seek advice from 111 if you need non-emergency health advice.

Top ways to stay safe when the heat arrives are to:

  • Look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated. Older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk.
  • If you live alone, ask a relative or friend to phone to check that you are not having difficulties during periods of extreme heat.
  • Stay cool indoors: Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
  • If going outdoors, use cool spaces considerately.
  • Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol.
  • Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.
  • Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest.
  • Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat.
  • Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day.
  • Make sure you take water with you, if you are travelling.
  • Check the latest weather forecast and temperature warnings – you can find these on TV, radio, mobile app or website.
  • During warm weather going for a swim can provide much welcomed relief. If you are going into open water to cool down, take care and follow local safety advice.

Summer’s here: Keep it fun not fatal

National charity and leader in lifesaving and lifeguarding training across the UK and Ireland, the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), is urging people to get summer ready by brushing up on their water safety skills and knowledge with their national Drowning Prevention Week campaign (18 – 25 June). 

With over 400 people dying each year in the UK and Ireland from accidental drowning, it’s clear that it’s a topic that needs more attention. 

Lee Heard, Charity Director at RLSS UK said: “With June, July, and August proving to be the months with the most fatalities, it is vitally important that everyone has an understanding of water safety, especially during the summer months. 

“We have seen a rise in the number of drownings over the last few years, with peaks during the summer. In July 2021, there were 49 accidental drowning fatalities in the space of just two weeks in the UK, and we know that with the right water safety knowledge, accidental drownings are avoidable. 

“We want to ensure that everyone can enjoy their summer break and enjoy being in or around water but be safe in the knowledge that they, and their children, have the skills and understanding about water safety, which could potentially save a life.  Every life is worth saving.”

Drowning is not just a topic that needs attention for those who take part in water-based activities either, in 2021 evidence from the National Water Safety Forum showed that 40% of people had no intention to enter the water.

The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) has a range of free educational resources available on their website for children, young people and parents and are holding their annual Drowning Prevention Week campaign between 18th-25th June to equip everyone across the UK and Ireland with the skills and knowledge to make the right decisions about water safety. 

Lee Heard continued: “This year for Drowning Prevention Week we are aiming to educate more young people than ever about water safety and give children the skills to enjoy a lifetime of fun in the water. 

“We have a range of free educational resources available on the RLSS UK website, including lesson plans for schools and resources for parents, as well as a brand new animation to engage young people in learning about water safety. 

“In a recent survey, over 55% of parents said they would not be confident their child would know what to do if they fell into open water; this is something we want to change. 

“Drowning Prevention Week brings the focus of water safety to people’s minds, giving everyone the opportunity to be equipped with the appropriate skills and knowledge to be summer ready when it comes to being safe in and around water during the summer months and beyond.”

With many families opting for staycations and heading to the coastlines and waterways for holidays in recent times, having an understanding of what to do if you find yourself or someone else in trouble in the water is more important than ever.

Lee Heard added: “If you or someone else finds themselves in difficulty in the water, it’s vital to remember the Water Safety Code: whenever you are around water you should stop and think to assess your surroundings and look for any dangers; stay together when around water and always go with family and friends; in an emergency call 999 and ask for the Fire and Rescue service when inland and the Coastguard if at the coast; and finally float to live, if you fall in or become tired, stay calm, float on your back and call for help, or if you see someone in the water, throw something that floats to them and resist temptation to go in.”

Drowning Prevention Week takes place 18th-25th June and free resources can be downloaded from www.rlss.org.uk/dpw. 

Follow us on Twitter – @RLSSUK

Visit our Facebook page – facebook.com/RLSSUK 

Call – 0300 323 0096

Crisis facing our swimming pools

RLSS: Why more people could drown

The energy crisis is hurting swimming pool operators up and down the country, with many fearing for their future, seriously impacting their ability to help their community enjoy water safely. Soaring fuel costs could herald a reduction in pool programmes and even threaten the closure of much loved and needed community pools. 

It couldn’t have come at a worse time for the sector. The lasting impact of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), staff shortages, and now sharp and severe price hikes are putting operators under extraordinary pressure and presenting real threats to the nation’s stock of swimming pools.

Our friends at some of the most influential groups in the industry have written to Michael Gove and Nadine Dorries – Secretary of State for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and Secretary of State for Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport, respectively. The letter voices their concerns and calls for urgent support to save leisure facilities from closure. Read more here.

At the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), we foresee the impact of swimming pools closing as an increase in drownings. 

In 2020 swimming pools were closed due to COVID-19, and people flocked to beaches, rivers, lakes, and other waters to have fun. Many children hadn’t had swimming lessons for some time and had missed out on their regular visits to the pool with friends or family. This resulted in a drop in water confidence and swimming ability and has unfortunately ultimately resulted in a year-on-year increase in UK accidental drownings through 2020 and 2021. 

We know swimming pools are one of the safest places to enjoy water. Many pools have lifeguards and staff trained to educate users to enjoy the facilities in a safe and fun manner. Swimming pools are such an important part of a community. It is unthinkable that pool closures will mean more children potentially losing out on the life skills of learning to swim and how to enjoy water safely – simply because they do not have a pool to learn and swim in! 

We are working with the sector to help navigate these challenging times, particularly by supporting operators to keep their pools open by ensuring they have highly qualified lifeguards in post.

A shortage of lifeguards is an additional challenge that pools are facing. Lifeguards are critical to the safe operation of swimming pools and providing a secure environment for people to enjoy the water and learn to swim. 

Our National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) ensures the highest of standards and is the most awarded lifeguard qualification in the UK and Ireland (95% of all UK pool lifeguards).

In recent RLSS UK surveys, 99 per cent of RLSS UK candidates told us they felt proud to hold a RLSS UK regulated qualification, and almost three-quarters (71 per cent) of lifeguards told us they felt proud to know how to save a person’s life, with 60 per cent also gaining satisfaction from being part of a highly respected profession. Rightly so, as a recent consumer survey revealed five in six UK adults think that it is important that an indoor pool has trained lifeguards present.

Any swimmer aged 16-years or older can become a NPLQ lifeguard in just five days, and there are currently 350 lifeguard courses advertised throughout the country in June and July. 

A lifeguard qualification is a fantastic springboard for a range of careers, from the emergency services and the military to the leisure sector. #IStartedAsALifeguard

Lifeguards and public swimming pools play a unique role in our society. They provide affordable access to one of the most universally accessible forms of exercise, offering huge benefits for mental and physical health. They are also places where both children and adults learn the skills that could one day save their life. We cannot afford to lose them. That is why we will continue to lend our support to the sector and raise awareness in government of the challenges facing pool operators to help prevent the loss of these valuable assets.

At RLSS UK, we work tirelessly to educate people to enjoy water safely. 

To download our free water safety education resources click here.

For information on RLSS UK’s Drowning Prevention Week, click here.

Follow us on Twitter – @RLSSUK

Visit our Facebook page – facebook.com/RLSSUK 

Call – 0300 323 0096

Children learn how to stay safe near Edinburgh construction site

A five-star housebuilder hosted an interactive site safety discussion at Frogston Primary School recently to remind children of the dangers of its nearby building sites at Heritage Grange in Edinburgh.

Barratt Developments PLC, which includes Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, hosted a site safety session during a school assembly on Monday 30th May. The session took the pupils through the dangers of construction sites, how to stay safe near them, the developments themselves and site worker safety.

Lorraine Lawrie, Head Teacher at Frogston Primary School said: “Pupils at Frogston Primary School had a great time during their visit from Stewart at Barratt Developments.

“They enjoyed the site safety presentation, which was both fun and interactive but also emphasised the importance of being safe near building sites. A highlight for the children was dressing up in Barratt’s PPE equipment.

“This was a great educational experience to have ahead of the summer holidays.”

Stewart Ponton, Safety, Health and Environment Operations Manager for Barratt Developments PLC said: “Our site managers are very aware of the attractiveness of construction sites to children. While they might look like fun obstacle courses or play parks, the fact of the matter is that they are extremely dangerous.

“It is our duty of care to the people of Edinburgh, among the many other communities in which we operate, to provide local schools like Frogston Primary School with the proper information on how the pupils can stay safe.”

Barratt Developments have a range of three bed homes at DWH @ Heritage Grange. Situated next to the Pentland Hills in the south of Edinburgh and surrounded by beautiful countryside views and lots of open space, this development makes the perfect location to enjoy a combination of country and city living.

For more information on current availability at DWH @ Heritage Grange, visit https://www.dwh.co.uk/new-homes/dev000330-dwh-@-heritage-grange/

Welcome Dnipro Kids to Easter Road

As you will have read in the media a couple of months ago Dnipro Kids rescued 50 orphans and their carers from Ukraine and they are now safe and settled in Edinburgh.

It has been a busy and stressful time for them and we are very excited that they will receive a huge welcome to Edinburgh this Sunday.  

On May 15th, the Dnipro Kids are being welcomed to Edinburgh and Easter Road for the final match of the season against St Johnstone.

They will be taking part in a family friendly day filled with activities including prematch entertainment, presentation of the match ball, play on the pitch and more.

It will be a great day for all, and to promote a fun atmosphere in the stadium for the match, Hibernian FC is offering two free kids tickets with the purchase of an adult ticket.

We would love as many people to come along and welcome the children as possible and would ask that you promote the event amongst your network and on social media.  We want the group to feel excited and safe in Edinburgh and your help would be great appreciated.  

See below for match QR code:

 

Water Safety Scotland launches new education resources for schools

Water Safety Scotland (WSS), in partnership with Education Scotland, has officially launched its first instalment of free water safety educational resources for schools and practitioners in Scotland.

Water Safety Scotland, which is committed to reducing accidental drowning deaths in Scotland by 50 per cent by 2026, introduced the initiative to provide a consistent level of learning across Scotland’s educational institutions in a bid to equip Scottish youth with the knowledge and skills required to reduce water-based accidents.

Laura Erskine, Water Safety Scotland’s Education Subgroup Chair, said: “On average, there are 96 water-related fatalities in Scotland each year. We aim to reduce the number of deaths from accidental drowning by 50 per cent by 2026 by driving a generational change in water safety in Scotland.

“We want to encourage safe and responsible access to Scotland’s waterways, which can be a positive and enjoyable experience for young people when coupled with appropriate risk awareness and education.”

The materials aim to provide consistent and curriculum-aligned information which feeds into a full progression pathway created specifically for water safety in Scotland. Starting from children aged 3, the resource set will instruct and inform young people right up to the age of 18 and has been endorsed by a wealth of supporting partner agencies.

Gayle Gorman, Chief Executive of Education Scotland said: “Every year we hear of tragic accidents taking place in Scotland’s waters as many young people are not aware of the dangers of swimming in open waters.

“That is why we welcomed the opportunity to work with Water Safety Scotland to develop educational materials that aim to increase awareness of water safety. We hope that this information will reach as many children and young people as possible to ensure they are aware of the dangers that come with going into open water.”

Scheduled for a staggered release over the next nine months, the first set of lessons is being released on Tuesday, April 26. Specifically focusing on the Third/Fourth level within the five tiers of the Scottish curriculum, it can be accessed via Education Scotland’s National Hub or through the Water Safety Scotland website.

Intrinsically linked to WSS’ Water Safety Code, which was created to help people enjoy Scotland’s waterways as safely as possible, it follows three key pieces of advice:

•    Stop and Think, Spot the Dangers

•    Stay Together, Stay Close

•    In an Emergency, Call 999.

Education is a key part of Scotland’s Drowning Prevention Strategy, which has now entered its fifth year. An interim review was published earlier this year and was launched by the Minister for Community Safety, Ash Regan, along with the Ministerial Action Plan for Water Safety.

Community Safety Minister Ash Regan said: “I would like to thank Education Scotland, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and Water Safety Scotland for their excellent collaborative work in creating this fantastic resource which will help to educate children about keeping themselves and their friends safe around water.

“This is a vital part of the work being taken forward across Scotland to improve public safety, including the recent launch of the Water Safety Action Plan drawn up by the Scottish Government and a range of key partners.”

Water Safety Scotland aims to roll out the next phase of this initiative in late May and will continue this strategy during the rest of 2022.

Extreme wildfire risk over weekend


The risk of wildfires across many parts of Scotland over the next few days has been declared as ‘extreme’.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has issued a warning that fires could ignite and spread easily with warm temperatures and strong winds forecast. 

The warning applies from tomorrow, Friday 22 April and lasts until Monday 25 April. 

•             North, Central and West Scotland EXTREME Friday 22nd – Sunday 24th April 

•             West Scotland EXTREME Monday 25th April  

Group Commander Keith Langley, who is one of SFRS’ Wildfire Tactical Advisors, is urging the public to take the utmost care in the countryside. He said: “The key issues over the next few days are sunshine, warm air temperatures, low humidity and moderate to strong winds.  

“Dead grass, leaves, twigs and heather on the ground will dry quite quickly in these conditions and when ignited can burn very fast with extreme fire intensity. 

“Please exercise caution outdoors to avoid fires breaking out and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame.” 

Wildfire danger assessments are made on behalf of the Scottish Wildfire Forum. They are done on a broad area basis.

The wildfire warning map can be found at https://twitter.com/fire_scot

RLSS UK and partners aim to make UK’s aqua parks among the safest in the world

The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is working with The Aqua Parks Association UK & Ireland to ensure the safety of the fast-growing industry as the UK looks forward to another bumper staycation summer.

Aqua parks first launched in the UK in 2015. Today, there are approximately 65 parks in the UK. Suitable for adults and children alike, the floating assault courses offer a variety of obstacles ranging from climbing walls and trampolines to water slides and runways.

The sector has boomed during the pandemic with the launch of new parks and established operators expanding their aqua park offering. 

RLSS UK is working closely with The Aqua Parks Association UK & Ireland – formerly the Aqua Parks Steering Group – to promote safety standards in the industry to maintain public confidence in UK aqua parks.

The association has developed a set of minimum industry standards and launched the UK’s first accreditation scheme for aqua parks. The accreditation scheme introduced a recognised and consistent safety standard, making accredited UK aqua parks some of the safest in the world. As appointed auditor for the association, RLSS UK audits parks that have signed up to the accreditation scheme.

Consumers should look out for aqua parks that hold the Industry Approved Aqua Park status; awarded to aqua parks that have met the operational and equipment standards set out within the guidance.

There are two accreditations: ‘Silver’ shows that an aqua park has the correct documents, procedures, staff, and training in place for all the sessions they run, while the ‘Gold’ accreditation indicates that the aqua park not only meets all the operational standards demanded by ‘Silver’ accreditation but also that all its equipment has been third-party tested to meet ISO 25649.

(The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) is an international standard-setting body composed of representatives from various national standards organisations).

Helen Bowker-Steer, Head of Commercial Services, said: “It is an exciting time for the aqua park industry – the development of the Aqua Park Association UK and Ireland in 2021 is a huge step forward.

“The industry now has a voice. It also has an elected board of individuals with the safety and success of the industry at its core. As the auditing partner for the Aqua Parks Association UK and Ireland, RLSS UK is committed to supporting all aqua parks which sign up for the industry approved process.”

Wildfire Warning Issued

Second Wildfire Warning issued in March

A wildfire warning has been issued by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service as the weather pattern over the next few days is dominated by high-pressure and strengthening winds.  

The warning starts today, Sunday 20 March, and lasts until Wednesday 23 March. 

•             West and North-East Scotland EXTREME 

•             Rest of Scotland HIGH to VERY HIGH  

At this time of year, in mid-March, there is a lot of dead grass and heather left over from last year which can dry very quickly. People who live, work or visit rural areas are being urged to exercise caution. 

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Bruce Farquharson, the SFRS Wildfire Lead, said:  “Over the next few days in high risk areas, fires could burn and spread with very high intensity due to the weather conditions

“We know how damaging wildfires can be to the environment, wildlife and nearby communities. “We are asking people to act responsibly when enjoying the outdoors and please think twice before using anything involving a naked flame.”

Emergency care crisis deepens

The latest Urgent and Emergency Care Daily Situation Reports 2021-22 for week ending 2 January 2022 show:

  • There was a total of 562,062 instances of staff absences
  • 249,173 instances of staff absences were covid related, an increase of 41% on the previous week
  • Nearly half of instances of staff absences were covid related
  • Since the start of December there has been an increase of 198% in covid-related instances of absence
  • On average 16,906 patients resided in hospital who no longer fit the criteria and were ready to be discharged, of these, on average, 9,858 remained in hospital
  • This is equal to almost six in 10 patients who were ready to be discharged remaining in hospital
  • Nearly one quarter of ambulance arrivals were delayed by 30 minutes or more
  • Almost one in 10 ambulance arrivals were delayed by at least an hour

Dr Katherine Henderson, President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said: “The scale of the pressures facing the health service is highlighted in these figures. Instances of covid-related absence have tripled since the beginning of December. Now the army has been deployed to assist the health service in London.

“Ambulances continue to be delayed in handing over patients on arrival putting patient safety at risk, while high numbers of patients ready to be discharged remain in hospital due to the ongoing social care crisis.

“Promoting flow through the hospital is vital but rests upon timely discharge of patients back home once their treatment is complete. To ensure this social care must be resourced and supported, this will help reduce admissions and free up beds in hospital.

“It is a perilous situation, and an enormous strain is put upon staff working in hospitals, who continue, as ever, to go above and beyond to ensure care continues to be delivered and patients are kept safe.”