Met office RED WARNING for extreme heat.

[OhYouBadBadKitten]

General discussion is www.mumsnet.com/talk/weather/4583720-we-need-to-talk-about-the-weather-and-the-potential-for-extreme-heat but I wanted this to be seen by as many people as possible.
www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings#?date=2022-07-18

Its scaremongering gone mad. Of course vulnerable older people have to be very extra careful same with babies and young children. Common doesn'tappear to be applied here.

Sense

Here's the TfL announcement

tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2022/july/tfl-advises-customers-to-only-travel-if-essential-on-18-and-19-july-due-to-very-high-temperatures-being-forecast

It's reduced services because - like all affected rail networks - they have imposed a speed limit because of the risk of tracks buckling. They are doing enhanced checks of infrastructure as well. The Mayor isn't cutting services for the sake of it, TfL is doing it for safety reasons (if a train derails because of bucking, its in everyone's interests that its at a lower speed - both those directly involved and also size of task to restore services)

I'd want to stay out of the Tube simply because it's always hotter down there - aircon isn't universal - and if the outside air temperature is over 34 (possibly much higher) then I shudder to think what it'll be like.

Surely it's better than warnings are in place so that everyone, especially the elderly, very young and clinically vulnerable can prepare and stay well.

If temperatures don't get as high as 40 great. That means less people will have been ill and less people will die ffs.

I worked in Cyprus many years ago. I was there from the start of June to the end of October. In September me and work colleagues were wearing jeans and jumpers to go out in the evenings. Tourists were still out in shorts, little dresses etc.

in the uk there’s never time to acclimatise to extremes of weather, it’s fits and starts out of the blue. We don’t have universal ac, access to water, infrastructure built around those extremes.

I also worked in Moscow in the winter. All roads stayed open. Because they all geared into action for the VERY NORMAL heavy snowfall and low temperatures (they could weirdly predict the start of snow to the hour).

@mcallister @Viviennemary

www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-23358290

So science…

Interesting article about the effects of heatwaves on mental health theconversation.com/heatwaves-worsen-mental-health-conditions-186759

Out of interest, does anyone know if fans will cost a lot of electricity?
My parents come to stay tomorrow and I’m wondering if two fans on all night will bump up the electricity bill massively or not

The government actually has a extreme weather plan for high temperatures and at levels 3 and 4 parts of the plan is to warn people consistently by using the media to take care in the heat.

Oh and it has never been 40 degrees in the UK. And unlike many places people go on holiday to the UK weather is humid whether it is very hot or very cold, which not only makes the temperature feel worse then dry heat and dry cold but causes slightly different health issues.

Hope this article helps - www.theguardian.com/money/2022/jul/16/electric-fans-how-much-do-they-cost-to-run-heatwave-best-models

Im dreading it too, i work in an office the size of a box with 3 others no window no fan no air con, i nearly passed out the other day it was 27 degrees i was told by my superior, oh i dont think its that warm! Uk has no legal limits or guidance laws on the temperature its to be below from what ive googled.

People seem to be missing the point. I have to go to work. I don't have a choice. I'll do what I can. But I'm sorry, I don't buy any of the bullshit about why TFL and the rail companies have to cut services. Over the last few weeks I've already had a nightmare getting to work through train and tube strikes. Mayor Khan loves nothing more than shutting this city down. I'm sorry, but I'm more stressed about how I'm going to get to work than the thought of the heat.

Can I just say I don't know if it's already been said .Magnifying mirrors and any crystal pieces should never be left where the sun can catch them . There was some house fires in the 90's from this .

Aircon was not around 40 years ago in Greece etc in a lot of holiday accommodation. I holidayed there many times and it was 35C without any aircon in villas.

Also, the 40C is a prediction. It doesn't apply to all of the UK. It may not even reach 40C.

The warnings are, IMO, there to prevent illness and accidents that most often occur when people do not take care. (Swimming in rivers, jumping off cliffs, lying on the beach, not maintaining cars so they break down....)

Most people I know who can, are WFH, or driving to work in a car with aircon, into an office with aircon, and some have an aircon unit in their own homes.

I feel sorry for others who can't do this and hope their employers will be considerate.

Speed restrictions mean services can’t run as frequently, and they are also anticipating trackside fires which might mean delays/cancellations to services while they are put out. The tracks can be 20 degrees hotter than the air, so they (and overhead lines) start to buckle (or sag for the overhead lines). Speed restrictions are always put in when it’s over 36, it’s not a new thing for this heatwave.

It was 25 degrees where I am today and both me and the kids were grumpy, sweaty gremlins even with the paddling pool

I will probably keep them off school if it’s as hot as they are predicting next week - it’s just not worth it for what is a pretty relaxed last week of school

Our school has a trip planned for Drayton Manor as a reward trip! It’s been cancelled cos school saying they cant provide adequate shade and they’re out too long in the queues. Really pleased school have done this.

Is it actually getting hotter already or am I just imagining things? Currently sat in the garden in my pyjamas in Cheshire!

Between 1-3p an hour for each fan according to MSE.

One thing for dogs and I think would work for cats, I boil some chicken (before the heatwave) and when it’s cool put the juice into ice cube trays. My dog is a sod for not drinking enough and this always gets her drinking plenty!

No substantive change in the models tonight.

What a good idea!!!!

I saw a tip on the guardian website to use tuna brine for this for cats. Haven’t tried it myself but sounds like it could work!

Probably won't affect many on here, but those who are on medication for hyperhidrosis such as Oxybutnin or (checks meds) Probanthine Bromide should consider not taking them for a couple of days.

I've already noticed myself getting extremely hot and whilst still dry, I should really have been sweating somewhat.

Please check the leaflet that comes with the meds for the section on heatstroke as it is perfectly normal to have some sweating in this heat.

(Unlike dripping with sweat and unable to regulate body temp during Beast from the East)