Red warning for extreme heat hits Beds, Bucks & Herts
Temperatures are going to soar
Temperatures are expected to near 40C over the next two days in Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire.
The Met Office now has an extremely rare red warning in force for extreme heat.
The heatwave has prompted Milton Keynes University Hospital to cancel all routine outpatient appointments and surgery today and tomorrow (18 & 19 July).
Speaking on Twitter, CEO Joe Harrison said:
"It has been extremely busy over the past week, with more patients than usual needing emergency care and significant pressure on our staff. As we go into the weekend, temperatures are forecast to rise up to 39C on Monday & Tuesday.
"We have taken the decision to stand down routine outpatient appointments & surgery on Monday & Tuesday because many of patients travelling to these appointments are frail & at increased risk, & due to the unpredictable nature of very high temperatures on demand for emergency care & on care environment.
"We will do all we can to keep wards & departments as cool as possible, but we know this will be a challenge given the very high outside temperature. We have solid plans & contingency plans in place & will keep social media channels & our website updated with any changing info."
Meanwhile, some schools in the region have chosen to close today, with others partially closing because of the extreme heat, although government advice is for classrooms to remain open.
We can also expect travel disruption. Rail companies are concerned train tracks may buckle in the high temperatures. Govia Thameslink Rail has confirmed they're closing the entire East Coast Mainline tomorrow (19 July), meaning there will be no Thameslink or Great Northern trains along the route from Peterborough and Cambridge or Hertford North into London (the route from Bedford will still have a very limited service).
Chief Operating Officer Angie Doll said:
“Please think carefully about your options and travel only if absolutely necessary on Monday and Tuesday.
“With the Met Office issuing warnings for extreme heat, speed restrictions are being put in place across our network to keep trains and passengers safe.
“This means we’ll have far fewer services for people to catch and there will also be at very real risk of substantial disruption. Even if you are able to travel in the morning, you may need to consider alternative ways to get home as a result.”