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

Seconding this. We're going to lose a lot of wildlife next week.

(And pets, sadly.)

I have a bird bath I'll keep refreshing, and I'll have bowls out the front in the shade I'll also refresh regularly. Putting fruit doused in water out at dusk / night / dawn helps animals with their hydration levels.

Good idea. I always have out in my back garden but having some in the front for wildlife and passing dogs makes a lot of sense. As long as no one nicks the water bowl!

Big deal 35 is nothing. I lived in Alice Springs once for 6 months and we had a well of plus 45!

Just wanted to comment about potentially loosing power. My husband is a electrical engineer, I’ve just spoken to him about this and he’s said it shouldn’t be a concern. I hope this puts some peoples minds at ease as it really worried me when I read. But hopefully should be fine!

I have the neck fan. It makes things bearable by creating a small breeze around your face. You can wet your face, neck and hair for a greater air conditioning effect. It looks like you are wearing headphones and nobody notices.

It gives off a vibrating whirring noise but on the lowest setting, you don't hear it when outside or in noisier environments because it blends in with the background noise.

I posted on the other thread about dogs in the heat (please skip their walk).

But what I do is freeze treats for them. I give mine bones, but I know many don't, so you can freeze whatever you use. I freeze the bones (or sometimes peanut butter stuffed treats), and I give it to them frozen. Well call it ice cream bone. It cools them down really well. (just pick a easy to clean spot to give it to them in, ie kitchen as they defrost quite quick)

Yes and you’ve proven why it’s an issue for the UK because this is not normal for the UK and our infrastructure is not designed to withstand it

FFS. Always one

Our garden is south facing and we have French windows. I invested in thermal lined full length curtains this year with the winter and fuel rises in mind. Never thought of opposite effect, they are brilliant at keeping the room cooler.

Also have a retractable awning over the doors which help a lot unless it is very windy.

Bots invading again.

Not awfully helpful info.....

There is more than one on this thread.

I will be working outdoors in London on Monday and Tuesday. I don't have a choice. My biggest worry is getting to work if there are issues with trains or tubes. I don't think it's helpful to anyone to say that hundreds or thousands will die. That is catastrophising and creates fear and panic. I'm dreading it but will take what precautions I can.

I wish it were only forecast to be 35 where I live.

Yup. I'm in a jumper and yesterday, a coat. Worst summer for some time here. I'm reading this thread with morbid fascination. How stark the difference is. Stay safe, Englanders.

We've got a south facing conservatory and while it looks out onto a well shaded garden, it traps heat like nothing else at midday. Its only partially got blinds, so this evening we are getting the ladder out of the shed and coming up with a plan to block the rest of the windows from Saturday evening, either with cardboard or sheets. I dont expect it to be perfect, but something will be better than nothing.

May take the Furminator to the cats while Im at it - shedding all over the place lately!

As well as the power outages OP mentioned, worth preparing for water loss too. Possible because of high demand, as well as issues if the power goes. We have a couple of 10litre bottles for this purpose but I'm guessing most people have enough containers in the house they can fill up.

The other significant risk is drowning - especially if you have teenagers please talk to them about some basic water safety. Float to survive is key, and what to do if they see someone get into trouble.

I'm supposed to drive to Wales on Tuesday morning. Not sure if we should live till Wednesday now or leave at 5 am or something?

I’m in Cornwall & I think the highest is going to be 31 - at least we have the sea breezes.

Leave not live!

I put out the largest flower pot saucer I could find about half filled with water and the local magpie gang love it. I do have to top it up after they’ve had baths! It’s only about 24° here today and nearly every time I look out there’s a creature getting a drink or a bird having a bath.

I hope your dh is right, hopefully he is. I mentioned it only because the risk has officially been highlighted in the Met Office warning.

I live in London. I had a couple of power cuts last year which the helpline blamed on the hot weather. Both were in late afternoon /early evening. Just 2-3 hours. Not being alarmist but maybe think about what you will do if I does go off.

We’ve got my DD’s belated graduation at Guildford cathedral on Tuesday - NOT looking forward to it :(

Please please close your window, curtains and door in any room where you are using a fan, the fan won't cool the room if you keep letting hot air into a room.
If you have a bath ( and no small children) fill your bath with cold water and leave the bathroom door open to help cool the house, fill the sinks as well.

Says 40 for my area on Mon

I bought a hair fine mist spray bottle the other day, a little refrigerated water in one of those goes a long way! Slightly damp alternative to a hand held fan. 18 month old DD loves it too. Stay safe everyone 🥵