90 places in the UK are facing danger to life as temperature soars, warns Met office |

Across roughly 90 areas stretching from the southeast of England up through the Midlands, authorities have warned that population-wide health effects are likely, with the potential for serious illness or loss of life, alongside the probable failure of power and essential services including water, gas and mobile networks. The Met Office’s Amber Extreme Heat Warning runs through to Wednesday, with forecasters saying temperatures could hit 38°C at the peak, which would shatter the existing June temperature record of 35.6°C.“The heat-health alerts are extended and updated from 11am on Monday 22 June for all regions in England. Amber alerts will be in place for London, the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, South West, East of England, North West, Yorkshire and the Humber regions while a yellow alert will be in place for the North East. The alerts will be in place until 11.00pm on Friday 26 June,” the UKSHA has warned.Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Greg Wolverson said: “While heatwave criteria will be met for some in the south and southeast of England over the weekend, with temperatures into the low 30s Celsius possible, the warmth will expand and intensify at the start of next week, which, coupled with high temperatures overnight, leads to potential impacts.“Temperatures will peak around the mid-30s Celsius on Monday and Tuesday. The humidity will also mean this feels close, warmer and more uncomfortable for many. Tropical nights – where the temperature doesn’t drop below 20°C are also likely for some.”

The water deaths

Here’s the part that tends to get buried beneath the temperature records and travel alerts. London Fire Brigade has warned that even in hot weather most inland water in London stays below 16°C, which can trigger cold water shock, a sudden involuntary gasp response that can cause a person to inhale water and drown within seconds. Rivers and reservoirs look inviting when it’s 36°C. “With warmer weather approaching, it’s important to remember that the water is still cold. Entering it unexpectedly can lead to cold water shock, causing a sudden increase in breathing and heart rate, which may trigger panic,” Samantha Hughes, the National Water Safety Partner at the RNLI told the Met office. “If you find yourself struggling in the water, remember to Float to Live: tilt your head back so your ears are submerged, relax and control your breathing. You may need to gently use your hands to help you stay afloat, and it’s ok if your legs sink—everyone floats differently.”Here are the areas:East Midlands

Bedford

Bracknell Forest

Cheshire East

Bath and North East Somerset

Blaenau Gwent

West Midlands

Yorkshire & Humber