Heatwave pushes York to scorching 33°C – public urged to protect the vulnerable
York is set to sizzle today, with forecasters predicting temperatures to peak at a blistering 33°C as a yellow heat alert continues across the region.
The Met Office expects the mercury to soar by mid-afternoon, with a sultry 20°C still lingering at midnight. This marks the fourth heatwave of the summer, and it shows no signs of easing just yet.
Relief is expected later in the week, with Thursday likely to hit 25°C, Friday around 26°C, and the weekend settling in the lower 20s.
The warm spell is already prompting a rush to the North and East Yorkshire coast. The RAC is warning drivers to prepare for heavier traffic and to check their vehicles in advance. Overheating engines are a real risk in this heat.
Health officials are particularly concerned for the elderly and those with existing health conditions. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued heat health warnings for the whole of England, citing the risk of serious illness – and even death – during extreme heat.
Dr Paul Coleman, consultant in public health at UKHSA, said: “Temperatures are forecast to rise above 30C across central and southern parts of the country over the next few days, and generally hot weather is expected across most regions of England.
“These kinds of temperatures can result in serious health outcomes across the population, particularly in those who are vulnerable, such as the elderly or those with serious health conditions, so everyone must take sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.”
Residents are advised to keep their homes cool, stay in the shade during the hottest hours, wear light clothing, and be alert to signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
Water shortage worsens amid heatwave
Despite rainfall in July, parts of England are facing what officials describe as “nationally significant” water shortfalls.
Yorkshire Water has confirmed that its reservoirs are at their lowest ever levels. The national drought group, a coalition of the Met Office, government, regulators, water companies, and other agencies, warns that drought conditions persist in five areas, with six more on “prolonged dry weather” status.
The impact is being felt in the fields as well as in homes. Farmers around York are seeing reduced crop yields, dwindling feed for livestock, and damage to wetlands and river habitats. The dry, brittle land is also heightening the risk of wildfires.
Rachel Hallos, vice-president of the National Farmers’ Union, said: “Farmers are on the front line of this crisis, but we can’t tackle this alone.
“Government and fire services must work with us on prevention, education, and response, and urgently review whether some changes in land management, particularly in the uplands, could be increasing wildfire risk as hotter, drier summers become more frequent.
“We’re urging everyone enjoying the countryside this summer to play their part and be fire-aware, so these shared spaces remain safe and accessible for all: follow the Countryside Code, avoid open fires, and report any signs of fire immediately.
“Protecting our farmland means protecting our food, our environment, and our rural way of life.”
With temperatures peaking at dangerous highs, emergency services are calling for vigilance, not just for personal health, but for the safety of communities and the countryside.
