Train tracks catch fire in Battersea as services between London Victoria and Brixton suspended

Britain’s heatwave is set to become even more extreme over the coming days as the Met Office issued a rare amber warning for deadly heat across most of England this Sunday when temperatures could hit 100F (38C).

Meteorologists said ‘exceptionally high temperatures are possible from Sunday’ and ‘could lead to widespread impacts on people and infrastructure’, with major disruption to road transport, railways and flights expected.

The Met Office also warned that ‘population-wide adverse health effects are likely’ with ‘substantial changes in working practices and daily routines likely to be required’, while there could be a loss of gas, water and electricity.

It said the heat could lead to ‘potential serious illness or danger to life’, adding: ‘Government advice is that 999 services should be used in emergencies only; seek advice from 111 if you need non-emergency health advice.’ 

Forecasters added: ‘Significantly more people are likely to visit coastal areas, lakes and rivers leading to increased risk of water safety incidents. Delays on roads and road closures are possible, along with delays and cancellations to rail and air travel, with potential for significant welfare issues for those who experience even moderate delays.’ 

The warning is in place for the 24 hours of Sunday but could be extended into next week. It covers the East, East Midlands, London, South East, North East, North West, South West, West Midlands and Yorkshire and Humber.

Major outdoor events taking place this Sunday within the amber warning area and which therefore could now be under threat include a George Ezra and Blossoms gig at London’s Finsbury Park; two Euro 2022 women’s football matches in Sheffield and Wigan; and England v India in a one-day international cricket match in Manchester. 

Atmospheric scientist Dr Simon Lee pointed out that the weather warning had been issued ‘at the maximum lead-time for an operational weather warning from the Met Office’, with six days still to go until it comes into force.

The extreme heat weather warning system ranges from yellow to red and indicates how likely and how much of an impact the weather will have on public life. An amber warning states that temperatures are likely to have a high impact. The Met Office confirmed to MailOnline that this is only the third extreme heat warning it has issued.

It comes as timber beams on rail lines set on fire while 20mph speed restrictions were imposed on others to avoid tracks buckling today as the heatwave brought travel chaos on what is set to be the hottest day of the year so far.

The blaze on a bridge in Battersea, South London, saw services between Victoria and Brixton suspended this morning – while Network Rail warned of trains having to run slower elsewhere due to high track temperatures.

Among the first services to be impacted were West Midlands Trains routes between Stratford-upon-Avon, Leamington Spa and Kidderminster where speeds were cut to 20mph from the normal 60mph until 8pm tonight.

But the issues could spread, because specialist weather teams are monitoring key hotspot locations this week and may enforce restrictions to reduce the risk of buckling because slower trains exert less force on the track.

Meanwhile Hampshire County Council is preparing to deploy gritters in response to melting roads. Officials said the machines will be spreading light dustings of sand which ‘acts like a sponge to soak up excess bitumen”.

Gritters are normally used to distribute salt during the winter to stop ice forming on roads. The areas most likely to be targeted by the vehicles this week are those with older road surfaces, in rural locations and south facing.

The blaze in Battersea happened when wheel timbers on the bridge caught fire – with Network Rail saying they are ‘very dry’ amid the lack of rain and ‘although we don’t know for sure, it’s possible a stray spark set them alight’.

In addition to the heat, there were also various other delays today including between Peterborough and Grantham due to a broken-down freight train; Reading and Basingstoke due to a points failure; Bromley South and Rochester due to a signalling fault; Wolverhampton and Stafford due to overhead wire damage; Yeovil and Exeter due to a signals issue;  Maidenhead and Slough due to a points failure; and Ely and Norwich due to a signalling fault. 

The Met Office warned people to take care with cigarette butts and barbecues because the ‘ground is tinder dry at the moment’ and there was a huge wildfire on Ministry of Defence land at Salisbury Plain. Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said it had been ‘advised by the military’ of the fire ‘within the impact area near Urchfont’.

By 1pm today, temperatures reached 30.6C (87.1F) in London after hitting 30C (86F) at noon, and Britons said that it was ‘too hot to work’ amid a heat-health alert – with the very hot weather set to last until at least the weekend.

Some staff asked to work from home, while human resources experts called on employers to allow them to work from home in the heat to avoid an ‘arduous’ commute in the stifling conditions, adding that hot weather ‘always increases sick days being called in’.

Other employers could follow the trend of offering their staff ‘sunny days’, which is one or two extra days of annual leave that workers can use for unexpected warm days such as today.

With temperatures already hitting 27C (81F) by 10am today, one Twitter user claimed they ‘had a hair appointment cancelled ‘because it’s too hot to work’ … is that a thing?’, while another added: ‘No it’s way too hot to work. Send me HOME RN!’. 

A third tweeted: ‘Annual ‘WFH is sorta hell in the summer’ tweet. Oh to be in an air-conditioned office.’ And a fourth replied: ‘The commute would be so sticky and hot! Probably worth it sometimes though.’

It comes after a tropical night during which temperatures were still at 20C (68F) at midnight in London – with Twitter users posting memes about having trouble getting to sleep. One said: ‘It’s too hot to sleep. I’m not bitter at all if you have air con this week.’ Another added: ‘Can’t sleep in this heat even with my fan on full, it’s not helping.’

The UK’s hottest day of 2022 so far was June 17 when Santon Downham in Norfolk got up to 32.7C (90.8F) – while the country’s highest temperature ever recorded was the 38.7C (101.6F) in Cambridge on July 15, 2019.

Parts of the UK will be hotter than some of the world’s top beach destinations such as Hawaii, Jamaica, the Maldives and the Bahamas this week – with 33C (91F) highs expected today and tomorrow, and 29C (84F) on Wednesday. This will be followed by 28C (82F) this Thursday, 27C (81F) on Friday and 31C (88F) on Saturday.

The Met Office said there is a 30 per cent chance of the UK experiencing its hottest day ever day this Sunday – with the current forecast for 36C (97F) highs in London, although this could be upgraded in the coming days.

Forecasters said a persistent area of high pressure centred over the southern half of the UK is responsible for this week’s warm spell, bringing largely dry and clear weather for the week, with little cooling into the evenings. 

The whole of England will experience largely sunny days with some cloud throughout this week, but Scotland and Northern Ireland could see downpours on Tuesday and northern England will see some rain on Friday.

The forecast comes after a very hot weekend that saw Britain enjoy UK highs of 30.1C (86.2F) yesterday and 27.5C (81.5F) on Saturday, after 29.3C (84.7F) last Friday – with all three temperatures recorded in London.

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Rebekah Sherwin said: ‘Today and tomorrow, temperatures are likely to peak at 33C in the South East, with warm weather likely to continue throughout this week and it looks likely to ramp up late this week and into early next week.

‘From Sunday and into Monday, temperatures are likely to be in excess of 35C in the southeast, although the details still remain uncertain. Elsewhere, temperatures could be fairly widely above 32C in England and Wales, and in the mid-to-high 20Cs further north.’

She added: ‘Weather forecast models are run hundreds of times to determine the most likely weather outcome.

‘For late in next weekend and early next week, some runs of these models are allowing exceptionally high temperatures to develop, which is something we’ll be monitoring closely and adding details in the coming days.

‘Some models have been producing maximum temperatures in excess of 40C in parts of the UK over the coming weekend and beyond.

‘At longer time scales temperature forecasts become less reliable, so whilst these figures can’t be ruled out, they are still only a low probability.

‘A number of weather scenarios are still possible and at the current time, mid- or perhaps high-30s are looking more likely.’

Dr Mark McCarthy, the head of the Met Office National Climate Information Centre, added: ‘The highest temperatures experienced in the UK tend to occur when our weather is influenced by air masses from continental Europe or North Africa – as it will be at the weekend – there is already a strongly-embedded warming due to climate change across the continent, that is increasing the likelihood of challenging the existing UK temperature record.’

The fire at Battersea happened on a bridge where the rails are supported by heavy timber baulks or beams called ‘wheel timbers’ laid over metal girders – and one of those baulks caught fire for reasons being investigated.

Two of the three lines on the bridge were reopened shortly after the fire was extinguished, with the affected line opened at 8.40am – and while it was deemed safe use because the baulks are huge, repair work will be required.

Chris Denham, a spokesman for Network Rail Southern Region, told MailOnline: ‘We were called to a fire on a bridge in Battersea around 4.30am this morning, where a wooden beam was alight. We closed the lines on the bridge while the fire was being tackled by our friends at London Fire Brigade, and it was put out by 6am.

‘We were able to reopen two of the three tracks on the bridge by around 6.30am and all three were open by 8.45am, following a thorough inspection of the bridge.

‘We’ll need to do some repair work, notably to a walkway that was damaged in the blaze, and we’re working on a plan for doing that as we speak. The cause of the fire is under investigation.’

Southeastern was the rail operator affected by the blaze, and said it ‘experienced disruption’ which lasted between around 5.40am and 8.20am today, but diverted trains into London Blackfriars and London Cannon Street while the incident was dealt with.

Speaking more generally about all rail lines, Network Rail has warned the hot weather could cause lines to ‘expand and sometimes buckle’.

It said: ‘With extremely hot temperatures expected this week, our specialist weather teams will be monitoring key hotspot locations to make sure we can keep services running safely and reliably.

‘Speed restrictions are likely to be in place in some parts of the network most affected by the hot weather. This helps because slower trains exert less force on the track and reduce the likelihood of buckling.

‘However, where speed restrictions are in place, journeys can take longer, so we advise passengers to plan ahead and carry a bottle of water with them.’

Meanwhile, speaking about the prospect of people taking more sick days during the heatwave, Laura Rennie, managing director of Arena HR in Kilmarnock, said: ‘The hot weather always increases sick days being called in. 

‘So many employees are fed up with their work and lifestyle in general that an opportunity for a day off in the sun is just too much of a temptation.

‘To combat this I’ve seen more and more employers giving their staff ‘sunny days’. This is one or two extra days annual leave that they can use for unexpected warm days. 

‘In Britain we really don’t know when this is going to happen so having a day or two that can be used at short notice keeps everyone happy. Sick days reduce and staff morale increases. Win, win.’

And HR expert Rachel Suff, wellbeing adviser for the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development professional body, told MailOnline: ‘Where possible, employers should be flexible with working arrangements and allow people to work from home in very hot weather if they will be more comfortable and productive at home.

‘Commuting can be arduous in hot weather, so allowing people to stagger their start and finish times to avoid travelling at peak rush hour could help. 

‘While there’s no specific legal minimum or maximum temperature for workplaces in the UK, employers need to make sure the temperature in workplaces is reasonable.’

She added that workplaces in old buildings or those with lots of glass can become extremely hot – and employers should be aware of the health risks which can particularly affect those with a disability or health condition.

But, speaking about sick days, she continued: ‘There could be some cases of genuine illness if there is a heatwave, particularly among employees who have an ongoing health condition. Employers should be proactive and email employees about self-care practices for keeping cool, such as using a fan and staying hydrated. 

‘Where possible employers should be flexible about working arrangements, such as working from home and staggering shift times to avoid an uncomfortable and crowded commute. They should also remind employees about their policy for managing absence and expected behaviour, including in cases of non-genuine absence.’

She also said that there should not be an assumption that lots of employees go sick because it it hot, adding that research shows ‘presenteeism, working when ill, can be more of a problem in many workplaces than absenteeism’.

A Level Three heat-health alert from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) began this morning, advising Britons to stay inside during the middle of the day, drink extra fluids and take extra care of young children.

Professor Mike Tipton, an extreme environments expert at Portsmouth University, warned of the health issues that can arise from high temperatures and claimed Britain could see nearly 2,000 extra deaths due to the heatwave.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme this morning, he said: ‘You get an increased likelihood of blood clotting and cardiac problems because of the extra strain heat puts on the body. We’ll see anything between 1,000 to 2,000 excess deaths due to the heat over heatwaves and the vast majority of those are in the elderly.’ 

Met Office forecaster Greg Dewhurst said: ‘High pressure is going to dominate, with lots of sunshine, particularly in England and Wales. In Scotland and Northern Ireland it will be somewhat hazy at times with thick cloud moving in from the north-west, possibly bringing some rain at times.

‘But for most of us it will be a dry and sunny day, well into the high 20s from the morning, with central, southern and eastern parts of England to possibly see maximum highs of 33C.  So it’s very possible tomorrow will be the hottest day of the year so far, it will certainly be on par with the existing record, maybe more.

‘It will also be very warm overnight going into Tuesday, remaining in the low 20s in cities, so many may experience an uncomfortable night.’

Mr Dewhurst added: ‘Tuesday will see the risk of a few showers across the north of the UK and slightly lower temperatures of 19C to 25C. It will remain hot with sunny spells in the south with highs of 27C to 33C.

‘Wednesday, Thursday and Friday will see a mixture of sunny spells, but the risk of showers in the north too. Temperatures 20C to 23C in the north and 24C to 28C in the south. 

‘Over the weekend, it looks set to be mainly dry and sunny and temperatures could rise back into the low to mid 30Cs.’

Some even predict the UK could reach a staggering 43C (109F) this weekend.

Met Office forecaster Steven Keates told The Sun: ‘We’re in for a real rollercoaster which may take people by surprise. (This) weekend we could have some really exceptional record-breaking heat and it will ramp up suddenly like someone has turned on the gas.

‘Some models from America indicate we could see 43C in East Anglia next Sunday, which would obliterate the current UK record.

‘At the moment we’ve got quite pleasant dry heat, but next weekend the dew point will rise and it will become very hot and sticky. The high humidity means temperatures won’t drop quickly at night.’

Experts have warned that the UK needs to urgently adapt to a future with more heatwaves, adding that hot spells have a greater potential impact than other climate extremes such as flooding.

A spokesman for the Met Office said today that it takes computer modelling into consideration when making its predictions, but at this stage it believes the warmest weather will not reach 40C (104F).

BBC Weather presenter Simon King tweeted: ‘Some of the weather computer models we use are still coming up with temperatures in the mid-high 30’s on Sunday and Monday.

‘Still a way off but it has been too consistent to ignore. There’s ‘summer’ and then there’s ‘extreme heat’.’

In addition, meteorologist Matt Taylor told BBC Breakfast: today ‘Some parts of South East England, East Anglia will be close to if not above 30C all week long, and by next weekend we could be even hotter.

We could be getting close to challenging the UK national heat record, which currently stands at 38.7C. Now it’s a while off yet and things could change, but things are looking hot next weekend.’

A Level Three heat-health alert, labelled ‘heatwave action’, has been issued for this week by the UKHSA for the South East, East and London regions – highlighting the potential health impacts of the conditions.

It says: ‘Look out for others, especially older people, young children and babies and those with underlying health conditions. Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.

‘Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol, dress appropriately for the weather and slow down when it is hot.’

The alerts began at 9am this morning and will be in place until 9am this Friday as it stands.

A Level Two alert – labelled ‘alert and readiness’ has been issued for the South West, East Midlands, West Midlands, North West and Yorkshire and the Humber regions. This states: ‘Hot weather can be dangerous, especially for the very young or very old or those with chronic disease.’

Councils are advising people to take precautions amid the soaring temperatures.

The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents councils in England and Wales, has encouraged people to enjoy the sun safely and to check up on those who may be more vulnerable, including the elderly and those with heart and respiratory problems.

Water companies, meanwhile, are urging people not to waste water during the heatwave this week.

Suppliers have said that higher demand and irresponsible use during hot weather spells can lead to people not having any water running through their taps.

This is not due to a shortage, but to do with companies not being able to treat water quick enough to keep up with the demand.

They have urged people to find alternatives to cooling down rather than having cold showers, including taking a dip in a local swimming pool or the sea.

A spokesman from Southern Water said: ‘When the weather hots up, we all use more water and we can see our daily demand jump by hundreds of millions of litres. Drier weather means less rainfall too and this year we have experienced long periods. The places that we extract water from to supply our customers, like groundwater, rivers and reservoirs, will be lower.

‘We do not anticipate the need for temporary use bans across the whole of our region in the coming months. However, we may require extra measures in certain areas where water is scarcer and the pressure on supply is greatest, such as Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. We are working closely with local communities and partner agencies in these areas, to keep disruption to a minimum.’

Affinity Water, which supplies parts of the southern and eastern parts of the UK, has urged people to avoid using sprinklers and hosepipes to save 1,000 litres an hour, but added there is not an outright hosepipe ban.

The company has also suggested to avoid using large inflatable pools, only using dishwashers and washing machines when full and turning off the tap when brushing your teeth.

And South West Water has called on customers to try to save five litres of water a day to maintain reservoir levels, admitting that pressure on supplies is building.

Lisa Gahan, the director responsible for water resources, said there had been no restrictions in the region since 1976 and ‘if we are careful we can have another year without any restrictions’.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at the UKHSA, said: ‘We want everyone to enjoy the hot weather when it arrives, but also to check in on their vulnerable family, friends and neighbours to make sure they are prepared for the warm conditions ahead.

‘High temperatures are predicted for a prolonged period, so make sure to follow our simple health advice to beat the heat, such as covering windows exposed to direct sunlight and making sure that fridges, freezers and fans are working properly.’

And Sam Hughes, National Water Safety Partner at the RNLI, urged Brits to stay safe at the coast, when they’re cooling off.

‘If you are planning on going to the beach we would encourage you to visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.

‘If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live: lean back, use your arms and legs to stay afloat. Control your breathing, then call for help or swim to safety. In a coastal emergency, call 999 or 112 for the Coastguard.’