Latest news with #CharliePugsley
Daily Mirror
17-06-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Exact date UK will be hotter than Barcelona as 32C heatwave bakes Brits
Temperatures in London could end up exceeding those in typically sweltering parts of Europe, including Lisbon in Portugal, Barcelona in Spain, and Nice in France The mercury is set to surge above 30C for the first time in 2025 thanks to a massive early summer heatwave - creating sweltering conditions across Europe. Weather forecasters have predicted the UK could become hotter than typically baking Barcelona this weekend, with a sunny surge boosting the heat by nearly 10C in a matter of days. Forecasters are expecting temperatures to soar to 32C in the south of the UK by Saturday – and most places will reach high above the heatwave threshold by the weekend. Surging highs hitting between 25C and 28C could mean the first official heatwave of the year is looming on the horizon. READ MORE: UK beach that's 'nicer than Spain' is one of the most complained about in the world According to the Met Office, an official heatwave is recorded when temperatures reach an assigned temperature threshold for at least three consecutive days. In London – where the threshold is 28C – temperatures could peak at 29C on Thursday and 31C on Friday, before hitting 32C on Saturday. Should the forecast hold true, the extreme highs would mean the UK is hotter than Barcelona, where highs will be slightly cooler at 31C. The highs would also exceed highs in Portuguese capital Lisbon, which is predicted to reach 29C on Saturday, and Nice, France, where it will be 30C. The hot weather will then spread further north, with Manchester and Newcastle enjoying temperatures into the late 20s by the weekend. Grahame Madge, a spokesperson for the Met Office, said the extreme highs will be a result of "home-grown conditions" at first, before European warm air pushes temperatures upwards by the weekend. He said: 'Temperatures rising through the week will be home-grown conditions, where we get quite sunny weather, elevating temperatures. But as we get nearer to the weekend, that will receive a boost as we start to import warmer air from the south of Europe. "There will be a low pressure area to the west by the weekend and a high pressure one to the east. Those weather systems will funnel air between them and feed warmer air across the UK.' Forecasters have warned some rain is still possible in parts by the end of the week, however, with localised, heavy showers forecast depending on how humid it gets. Meanwhile, the London Fire Brigade has issued a warning over wildfires ahead of the prolonged spell of hot weather and following one of the driest springs on record. Charlie Pugsley, deputy commissioner for operational policy, prevention and protection, said: 'Extended periods of hot and dry weather can greatly increase the risk of a grass fire, and particularly when that grass is tinder dry the spread of fire can be rapid. "We have seen examples of this in London as well as more recently worldwide, such as in California and South Korea. Last month, I wrote to the chief executives of each London local authority, outlining some key measures they can take, such as to create fire breaks, and to welcome the work that councils are already undertaking."
Telegraph
16-06-2025
- Climate
- Telegraph
Recycle glass bottles to avoid starting blazes, say fire chiefs
Glass bottles should be put in the recycling and not left as litter in order to prevent blazes breaking out, fire chiefs have said. With temperatures forecast to reach more than 30C later this week, the Met Office is expecting it to be the first official heatwave of the year at the weekend. A heatwave must see three consecutive days of more than a threshold temperature, which ranges from 25C for Scotland and Northern Ireland to 28C for London and the home counties. Meteorologists expect soaring temperatures from Thursday onwards, resulting in the hottest days of the year, with fire chiefs warning that dry conditions would increase the risk of fires. Advice on how to enjoy the weather safely includes ensuring that all glass bottles are disposed of appropriately, avoiding using disposable barbecues directly on grass, putting cigarette ends into bins and creating 'fire breaks' of ploughed ground to ensure that built-up areas are protected. 'Prevention is everyone's responsibility' Charlie Pugsley, of the London Fire Brigade, said : 'Extended periods of hot and dry weather can greatly increase the risk of a grass fire and, particularly when that grass is tinder dry, the spread of fire can be rapid. 'The rapid spread can be particularly worrying if it is in the direction of homes and livelihoods, so it is vital we all do what we can to protect those areas ahead of periods of hot and dry weather.' James St John Davis, the chairman of the City of London Corporation's Natural Environment Board, said: 'Prevention is everyone's responsibility – even a single glass bottle or cigarette butt can spark a serious blaze. Our teams are proud to work with the London Fire Brigade to help protect people, property, and precious habitats.' Last week, the UK Health Security Agency issued a yellow heat health warning, the first of the year, in response to warm weather. Warmth of this level is of no concern to the majority of the population, but officials warned that it could pose a threat to the elderly and vulnerable. No such alert has been issued for the weekend ahead at this point, but may come in the next few days. 'Several places could exceed 30C' Tony Wisson, a deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: 'Over the next few days, settled weather and warm sunshine will allow temperatures to rise day on day. 'Temperatures will then rise further towards the end of the week as winds turn more southerly and even warmer air over continental Europe will be drawn across the UK. 'We could very well see several places exceeding 30C, which will be the highest temperatures of the year so far.' The public has also been warned that pollen levels are very high. Hay fever sufferers, especially those with an allergy to grass pollen, have been advised to take precautions to ensure they are not overwhelmed with high and very high levels this week.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Heatwave set to hit parts of UK this weekend as temperatures climb
Britons are set to bask in a heatwave this weekend, with some places hotter than parts of southern Europe. Forecasters are expecting temperatures to soar to 32C in the south of the UK by Saturday – and most places will reach temperatures above the heatwave threshold by the weekend. An official heatwave is recorded when areas reach a certain temperature for three consecutive days, with thresholds varying from 25C to 28C in different parts of the UK. Will this week be: Dry? Wet? Windy? Cold? Warm? We have the answers with an overview for the next five days ⬇️ — Met Office (@metoffice) June 16, 2025 In London – where the threshold is 28C – temperatures could peak at 29C on Thursday and 31C on Friday, before hitting 32C on Saturday. The hot weather will then spread further north, with Manchester and Newcastle enjoying temperatures into the late 20s by the weekend. Met Office spokesperson Grahame Madge said: 'Temperatures rising through the week will be home-grown conditions, where we get quite sunny weather, elevating temperatures. 'But as we get nearer to the weekend, that will receive a boost as we start to import warmer air from the south of Europe. 'There will be a low pressure area to the west by the weekend and a high pressure one to the east. Those weather systems will funnel air between them and feed warmer air across the UK.' The heatwave means some parts of the country will surpass temperatures in holiday hotspots such as Lisbon in Portugal and Barcelona in Spain, which are predicted to reach 29C on Saturday, and Nice, France, where it will be 30C. Forecasters have warned some rain is still possible in parts by the end of the week, with localised, heavy showers forecast depending on how humid it gets. Meanwhile, the London Fire Brigade has issued a warning over wildfires ahead of the prolonged spell of hot weather and following one of the driest springs on record. Charlie Pugsley, deputy commissioner for operational policy, prevention and protection, said: 'Extended periods of hot and dry weather can greatly increase the risk of a grass fire, and particularly when that grass is tinder dry the spread of fire can be rapid. We have seen examples of this in London as well as more recently worldwide, such as in California and South Korea. 'Last month, I wrote to the chief executives of each London local authority, outlining some key measures they can take, such as to create fire breaks, and to welcome the work that councils are already undertaking.' A drought was declared by the Environment Agency across Yorkshire last week while the north-west of England entered drought status last month.
BBC News
06-06-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Wildfire prevention urged by London Fire Brigade after dry spring
Fire breaks should be introduced to open areas to prevent wildfires this summer, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) has is likely to be one of the driest on record, according to the Met Office, and landowners and councils are being asked to play their part to reduce the under half of the capital is considered to be green space, many of which lie next to homes and breaks can be created by removing grass or ploughing earth to exclude any flammable vegetation, forming a barrier that prevents the easy spread of flames. LFB's deputy commissioner Charlie Pugsley said grass fires could spread particularly rapidly, as seen in the capital as well as worldwide in California and South 2022, London experienced record-breaking temperatures and long periods of dry weather that resulted in some of the most severe wildfires the city has ever had. James St John Davis, from the City of London Corporation's natural environment board, said: "As custodians of some of London's most iconic open spaces, we manage complex landscapes that are often right next to people's homes where the threat of wildfire is very real."We reduce risk through seasonal grass cutting, natural fire breaks, and widespread staff training to respond swiftly, often before emergency crews arrive. This year we've also invested in three new fire fogging units to tackle contained fires, such as those caused by barbecues." Grass fires can be prevented by avoiding the use of disposable BBQs in parks and open spaces, ensuring cigarettes are put out completely and disposed of correctly, and taking rubbish home if no bins are can also help by maintaining their gardens by preventing them becoming overgrown.
Telegraph
26-03-2025
- Telegraph
Sadiq Khan bans e-bikes on Tube after union strike threat
Sir Sadiq Khan will ban e-bikes from Tube and rail services in London after unions threatened to strike. Transport for London (TfL) said non-folding e-bikes will no longer be allowed on the Tube, Overground, Elizabeth line and DLR from March 31. The ban includes conventional bicycles that have been turned into e-bikes using conversion kits. The Labour mayor of the capital is likely to face accusations he has given in to trade union militancy once again, after members of Aslef threatened industrial action unless TfL banned the devices. The walkout threat came after an e-bike caught fire on the platform at Rayners Lane Tube station in north-west London. Electrically-assisted bicycles are fitted with a motor and a battery so riders can pedal faster and for longer, while tiring themselves less. Batteries using lithium-ion technology are typically fitted to e-bikes. They have caused a number of lethal explosions and fires after being plugged into the wrong chargers. A coroner ruled in February that the deaths of a couple and their two dogs in a house fire had been caused when a charging e-bike battery ignited and 'rapidly escalated into an intense blaze'. Charlie Pugsley, a London fire brigade deputy commissioner, said of Tuesday's TfL ban: 'We welcome this move by TfL following their detailed safety review, as it acknowledges the risks that we know e-bike batteries can pose. 'While we recognise the sustainable benefits e-bikes, and micromobility generally, bring to our city, the reality is that across London we have been seeing an e-bike or e-scooter fire every other day, on average, and we have particular concern about the risk posed by conversion kits or modified e-bikes. 'When these fires occur, they can be sudden, incredibly ferocious and produce smoke that is extremely toxic.' Finn Brennan, the union's London Underground organiser, said: 'We welcome the announcement by TfL that non-folding e-bikes are to be banned from its services on London Underground, on the Overground, and on the Elizabeth line. 'This is something for which Aslef health and safety reps have long campaigned. It will reduce the risk of a serious accident, and the dangers caused by large numbers of unfolded e-bikes blocking exits in emergencies. 'We are pleased that TfL have listened to our concerns and has now acted on them.' Sir Sadiq said in a statement: 'The safety of Londoners is my top priority and, while most e-bikes are safe, there have been a small number of incidents where non-foldable e-bikes have caught fire on the transport system, which have caused me great concern. 'This is why, following a comprehensive review of the safety of e-bikes, TfL is banning all non-folding e-bikes on tube and rail services. 'I have asked TfL to continue to work with Government and partners to improve e-bike safety as we build a safer London for everyone.'
