A scorching heatwave is set to engulf the United Kingdom this weekend, maintaining the trend of record-breaking temperatures. The mercury is expected to soar to 35C on Friday and potentially reach 36C today in southern and western parts of England. This year has already marked a record with temperatures hitting 35C on six separate occasions.
Even regions as far north as Yorkshire are bracing for temperatures of up to 33C today, well above the usual seasonal averages. Weather forecasts indicate widespread areas across the country facing unusually high temperatures.
Emergency services are preparing for a busy weekend ahead, warning of an “extreme” risk of wildfires. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has advised against using disposable barbecues in the hot weather due to concerns about fire hazards from the dry conditions.
In addition to fire risks, the Metropolitan Police is anticipating a surge in calls, especially with England scheduled to play against Norway in the quarter-final of the Fifa World Cup later today. The match is set to kick-off at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, at 10pm BST.
While extreme weather conditions persist globally, the US National Weather Service has forecast scorching temperatures reaching up to 43C with thunderstorms and lightning also in the forecast. FIFA regulations mandate a suspension of play if lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium, potentially delaying or postponing the game.
The Met Police is urging the public to refrain from making non-emergency calls during the hot weather and the World Cup games to avoid overwhelming emergency services. Deputy Metropolitan Police commissioner Matt Jukes emphasized the importance of prioritizing emergency calls over non-urgent matters to ensure effective response to critical situations.
The police force has specified that 999 should only be dialed in cases of immediate life-threatening danger, violence, or ongoing criminal activities. It is essential to reserve emergency lines for situations requiring urgent police intervention.