East braced for 'unprecedented' temperatures as heatwave continues
A red 'extreme heat' warning remains in force across parts of the region
Last updated 19th Jul 2022
The East is bracing for 'unprecedented' temperatures as the heatwave continues.
A red 'extreme heat' warning remains in force across western parts of the region, with an amber warning in force across the rest of the East.
It's the first ever red warning of it's kind from the Met Office and suggests there could be a risk to life and temperatures could exceed 40C in places.
The Met Office says extreme heat on Monday and Tuesday could have a widespread impact on people and infrastructure.
It added 'substantial changes to working practices and daily routines' will be required - with an influx of people on the coast possibly leading to water safety concerns.
Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab has suggested working from home could be a good idea though, although insisted that is ultimately bosses' decision.
"This is potentially a very serious situation."
Grahame Madge, Met Office spokesman, said: "We've just issued a red warning for extreme heat for Monday and Tuesday which is the first such warning ever issued. This is potentially a very serious situation."
In addition to the 'Red warning', an amber warning remains in place across most of East Anglia.
School Closures
Some schools across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex have confirmed they'll stay shut until Wednesday due to the heat.
Ministers have said they don't think that's necessary though.
You can find the latest on school closures here:
Travel Disruption
There is a warning that we could see disruption on road, rail and in the air today due to the high temperatures forecast.
Greater Anglia is warning people not to get on a train altogether.
For those who do the number of services running to and from London are reduced, and all trains are having to run at a slower speed to prevent damage to infrastructure.
Great Northern Rail isn't running any services north of London today which means no trains to or from King's Lynn.
People heading out on the roads are being urged to take care and ensure they have plenty of water.
Stagecoach East has said they will be running a full service in our region but have warned disruption is possible, and urged passengers to consider whether their journey's are necessary.
Get Water Wise
The Met Office is also warning of a potential rise in the number of water-related incidents, with people expected to flock to beaches, lakes and rivers to cool off.
It's something which has led to a number of drownings in recent weeks, including at least five since Saturday.
People are being urged to Get Water Wise and educate themselves on how to stay safe in open water.
Follow this advice, and stay safe around water
During hot summer days, lakes, rivers, reservoirs and the sea can look really tempting.
But beneath the surface can lie hidden dangers, cold temperatures an unexpected currents.
The Royal Life Saving Society has this advice to stay safe.
Look out for lifeguards
If you're looking for a place to cool off always find a lifeguarded swimming site.
It’s colder than it looks
Water at open water and inland sites is often much colder than it looks, cold water can affect your ability to swim and self-rescue.
Don’t go too far
Always swim parallel to the shore, that way you're never too far away from it.
It's stronger than it looks
Currents in the water can be very strong. If you find yourself caught in a riptide – don't swim against it – you'll tire yourself out. Swim with the current and call for help.
Bring a friend
Always bring a friend when you go swimming so if anything goes wrong you've got someone there to help.
Fire Safety
With the ground very dry at the moment, fire services across our region are also warning people to take extra care when out and about.
Essex Fire says it responded to 130 incidents on Monday alone, with demand triple the average of the last three years at the minute.
There have been reports of field fires across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex in recent days, with more expected today.
What should do to keep safe and cool during this time?
We're all being urged to keep hydrated, look out for vulnerable people, keep curtains closed and stay out of the sun around midday.
The potentially record breaking temperatures is expected to put more pressure on the NHS.
While a Level 3 UK Health Security Agency alert has been issued, advising the health and care sector to look out for vulnerable people and those with underlying health conditions.
The government's Cobra emergency committee held a meeting on Thursday about the exceptional heat and Cabinet Office minister Kit Malthouse said the key thing was to "prepare" government services.
The Met Office said the hot weather was caused by high pressure over the UK and hot air flowing from southern Europe.