London — The UK was preparing for Sunday, which could be the hottest day ever recorded. Many schools in the UK were planning to close, hospitals canceled unnecessary procedures and elderly housings were preparing to keep vulnerable residents safe.
Britain declares a national emergency and issues it for the first time in history “Red” warning Due to the exceptional heat, it means that there is a potential risk to life at temperatures that can rise to 41 degrees Celsius (about 106 degrees Fahrenheit) on Mondays and Tuesdays. This is the highest temperature ever recorded in the UK. According to the British Meteorological Agency, the National Weather Service of the United Kingdom, the current record is 101.6 degrees, set in 2019.
Blistering temperatures are becoming more common not only in the United Kingdom but around the world, and climate scientists have no doubt that fossil fuel burning is an important driver of that change.
To make matters worse, most buildings in the UK are designed to retain heat. This is because low temperatures have been a greater concern in the past. Also, few homes are air-conditioned, making people particularly vulnerable when temperatures rise sharply.
UK Health Minister Steve Berkley said on Saturday that he “is asking people to keep an eye on their neighbors and vulnerable people,” adding additional measures such as additional working hours to the ambulance service. He added that it was done.
The government held an emergency meeting on Saturday to discuss how to prepare for the heat, but resigned Prime Minister Boris Johnson reportedly chose not to attend and instead chose to hold a farewell party. According to local news media reports..
Transportation services are also affected on Mondays and Tuesdays. Transport for London is the city’s transportation system and advises people to make only important trips.
Schools are not told to close, but some do. Parents’ reactions were mixed.
Guy Arnell, 44, of Ascot, a town in western London, said, “Some of the windows don’t open, and there are no fans or air conditioners.” 1 week. “You shouldn’t put it in such a heat box.”
Some parents planned to keep their children at home even when the school was open.
“We put our kids home so we can monitor what they eat, drink and how they are themselves,” says Zoe, 46, with eight-year-old twins. ) Said. His kidney function declines, making him particularly vulnerable to heat.
“In this situation, I’m very happy to be able to play the card that my mother knows best,” says her, living in Cheshire, North West England, to be identified by her name because of privacy concerns. Zoe asked.
Some hospitals said they would cancel non-urgent surgery because of risks to both patients and staff.
“We have decided to refrain from regular outpatient appointments and surgery on Mondays and Tuesdays. Many of the patients who go to these appointments are frail and at high risk and can be very hot in response to the demand for emergency medical care. Because of the unpredictable nature of becoming, Joe Harrison, chief director of Milton Canes University Hospital, said on Twitter.
Nursing homes and nursing homes were also prepared for the weather.
At the Forester Court Care Home in London, which provides care to vulnerable patients, including people with dementia, unit team leader Jessie Lau said staff ensured hydration of the population and also distributed ice cream. .. Like most buildings in Britain, the house has no air conditioning, and Mrs. Lau said staff were looking for additional fans to offset the heat.
James Clear, Hotel Services Manager at Care UK, which operates more than 150 care homes across the UK, including the Forrester Court, said in a statement: Morning cuppa to caregivers who encourage people to eat fruit as a treat, all interactions help. “
Retailers are reporting unusual demand for fans and air conditioning units. This is an item traditionally considered unnecessary due to the country’s normally warm climate.
Lara Britain, an expert in Curry’s appliances, said: The UK’s largest consumer electronics retailer.
According to Britten, Currys has seen a 300% increase in fan sales over the past three days compared to the previous week.
A spokeswoman for John Lewis, one of the UK’s largest department stores, said fan sales were up more than 250% compared to last year and air conditioner sales were up more than 525% compared to last year.
Some people seemed more obsessed with having fun rather than enduring the heat.
A spokesman for B & Q, the UK’s largest DIY retailer, said bathtub sales have nearly tripled and grill charcoal sales have nearly doubled over the past week. rice field.
The UK’s RAC, which provides roadside assistance and other automotive services, said it expects a significant increase in breakdowns as cars overheat and repeated government calls to avoid unnecessary travel.
Traveling by train was also not recommended. Network Rail, which operates most of the UK rail network, advises people not to use trains because of the risk of track buckling and fires beside the tracks.
Many said they were planning to stay near their home.
Bertie Maher, 25, who works for an e-commerce company in London, said: “You can take a cold shower during the day and a little sunshine for 20 minutes during the lunch break.”