Upgraded red warning for extreme heat issued for Milton Keynes with temperatures set to hit 35C
The Met Office has issued an upgraded red warning for extreme heat, covering Milton Keynes, with temperatures set to hit 35C in the city this week.
The red warning, valid from 9am on Wednesday June 24 to 9pm on Thursday June 25, warns that ‘impacts to the general population will be highly likely.’
Temperatures are due to peak at 28C this afternoon (Monday) in the city, with around a 40 per cent chance of a shower this evening according to latest forecasts.
Temperatures are then due to increase, with forecasts showing continuous sunshine, and peaks of around 33C between 3pm and 6pm on June 23.
Then on June 24 and 25 temperatures are set to rise with expected afternoon peaks of around 35C, with strong sunshine, accompanied only by light winds.
This coincides with the red warning for extreme heat, with the Met Office saying that ‘population-wide adverse health effects will be experienced’, and warning that ‘substantial changes in working practices and daily routines will be required.’
Temperatures are then due to drop slightly on June 26, peaking at around 30C, with continuous sunshine remaining.
Cooler conditions are then expected over the weekend, together with an increased chance of showers, with forecast highs of around 25C or 26C over the weekend of June 27 and 28.
This is the first time a red weather warning, the most severe, has been issued by the Met Office since 2022, as reported by the BBC.
Separate amber warnings for extreme heat have been issued covering Milton Keynes and are valid from 1am on June 22 to 11.59pm on June 23, and then from midnight on June 24 to 11.59pm on June 25.
The current warning says that ‘a developing hot spell will lead to widespread impacts on people and infrastructure’, while the second warning says ‘population-wide adverse health effects are likely to be experienced.’
In response to the current amber warning for extreme heat Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service posted advice to the public writing: “Please take extra care in the rising temperatures - drink plenty of water, pop on a hat, and don’t forget your sun cream.
“We know it can be tempting to cool off in open water, but hidden dangers like cold‑water shock, strong currents, and unseen hazards can put you at real risk.
“Choose safer ways to stay cool and look out for one another.”
Milton Keynes University Hospital also issued a statement saying it was ‘working hard to keep patients safe and comfortable during the hot weather.’
It has also issued a heatwave reminder for visitors and carers, with tips including ‘encouraging appropriate hydration during visits, reporting signs of heat-related illness to ward staff right away, keeping windows and doors closed so that air‑conditioning works properly and using available blinds or curtains to minimise direct sunlight coming through windows.’