Latest news with #PhilGarrigan
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Heatwave relief on the way for Brits after temperatures soar hotter than Brazil
Showers are predicted for many parts of the country this week, but the mercury could rise again next weekend, with highs of 30C forecast in London and the South East Brits sweltering in the midst of the latest UK heatwave are facing some relief as the period, which saw temperatures higher than in Brazil, is coming to an end after a blistering spell of hot weather. A cooler Monday has been forecast after Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland recorded their hottest day of the year so far. Showers are predicted for many parts of the country this week. But the mercury could rise again next weekend, with highs of 30C forecast in London and the South East. The latest heatwave has prompted a nationwide inspection of workplaces organised by the TUC. More than 1,000 trade union health and safety reps have signed up to check that workers are able to cope with the heatwave. Working in hot weather can lead to dehydration, tiredness, muscle cramps, fainting, and - in the most extreme cases - loss of consciousness. Trade union reps will check workplace temperatures, and will discuss with employers the protective steps they can take, including keeping buildings cool, shaded areas for outdoor workers and allowing flexible hours. TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: "Everyone should be safe at work. But working in a heatwave can be dangerous, especially when your employer wants you to carry on regardless. "That's why union reps are taking action this week to keep their workmates safe in the heat, and it's why we're calling on the government to strengthen legal protections with a maximum working temperature. A lot of the best safety steps are just common sense. For example, employers should allow flexible hours to avoid the hottest parts of the day. And indoor workplaces should be kept at comfortable temperatures, with relaxed dress codes." The third heatwave of the summer hit its peak at the weekend. Temperatures hit 32.2C in Aviemore on Saturday, the hottest day ever recorded there. It was only the 7th time the temperature had been that high in Scotland since 1961. In Wales, a high of 33.1C was recorded at Cardiff's Bute Park. In Northern Ireland, it was 30C in Londonderry. It resulted in two weather-related deaths in Scotland. In Glasgow, a 15-year-old boy died in the River Kelvin. Hours earlier, a 63-year-old woman fell by a waterfall in East Dunbartonshire. The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) asked people not to enter water to try to cool down. And they urged parents and carers to ensure children are supervised around water at all times. Phil Garrigan, NFCC chairman, said: 'We are urging people to take simple but vital safety precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones during this period of hot, dry weather. Our experience tells us that wildfires can start in an instant and escalate rapidly. That's why we're asking everyone to stay alert and act responsibly." Today, London (30C) was hotter than Barcelona (29C) Bangalore (27C) and Brasilia (24C) in Brazil. Amber heat health alerts were in place for the Midlands and the south east to 10am Monday. The alert warns of a potential rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions. Beachgoers enjoyed temperatures of around 31C (87.8F) in England. But the forecast was for the mercury to dip marginally to bring some relief. Met Office meteorologist Kathryn Chalk said: "While we've seen the peak of the heat in this heatwave, it's still going to be very warm on Sunday before turning cooler for many of us on Monday. So we've got this ridge of high pressure extending across the UK, helping to keep things settled, but out towards the west an area of low pressure moving through Sunday night and into Monday. Temperatures will be falling away but also bring heavy spells of rain, or welcome rainfall, for many of us." Firefighters in Surrey tackled a wildfire on Hankley Common in Thursley, which spanned approximately eight hectares. Scottish fire crews tackled a wildfire in Perth near the M90 in the Craigend area, due to an "extreme" wildfire. HM Coastguard also issued safety advice for people heading to the coast, saying data shows most drownings occurred in July over the past three years. Harrow Council warned of an increase of sudden branch drop syndrome, made worse by the heat waves. A pod of dolphins performed an incredible aerial acrobatic display for delighted tourists off the UK coast. The 12 mammals leapt into the air while hunting for a fish supper in the waters around Amble, Northumberland. Pensioner Linda Johnson couldn't believe her luck when the pod came just 50m (164ft) away from the town's pier. One photo appeared to show one dolphin balancing another on its nose as they leap and dive beneath the waves. Showers are forecast across many parts of the UK by Wednesday, some of which could be heavy and thundery
The Herald Scotland
7 days ago
- Climate
- The Herald Scotland
Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales record warmest day of the year in heatwave
Meanwhile, it was 30C in Magilligan, marking the first time the milestone had been reached in Northern Ireland since July 18 2022. It's been a widely hot day, with Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales all seeing their highest temperature of the year so far 🌡️ — Met Office (@metoffice) July 12, 2025 And temperatures in Wales soared to 33.1C in Cardiff's Bute Park, beating the 2025 record set on Friday of 32.4C at the same location. Although England has been hot, with maximum temperatures also hitting 33.1C in Ross-on-Wye in Herefordshire, it did not break the country's current record for the year of 35.8C – recorded in Kent at the beginning of July. The average temperatures for this time of year across the UK range between 18C and 22C. Amber heat health alerts are in place for the Midlands and southern and eastern England until 9am on Monday, warning of the potential for a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions. A swimmer in the Sky Pool, a transparent swimming pool 35 metres above ground between two apartment buildings in Nine Elms, south London (James Manning/PA) Tennis fans have been struggling in the heat at Wimbledon for the past few days, with play experiencing brief disruptions as spectators needed medical assistance. When temperatures were forecast to rise on Saturday, the All England Club said it significantly increased the number of on-screen communications and push notifications to remind guests to stay hydrated and seek respite from the sun. The club also said service stewards on court have access to water for spectators in need, that on-site medical teams are ready to assist when required and that the grounds have more than 100 free water refill points as well as a pharmacy where guests can buy sunscreen. Fire chiefs urged people to stay safe as they warned of the increased risk of wildfires and drowning. People enjoying the hot weather in Vauxhall Park, south London (James Manning/PA) The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) asked people not to enter water to try to cool down and urged parents and carers to ensure children are supervised around water at all times. Phil Garrigan, NFCC chairman, said: 'We are urging people to take simple but vital safety precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones during this period of hot, dry weather. 'Our experience tells us that wildfires can start in an instant and escalate rapidly. That's why we're asking everyone to stay alert and act responsibly.' HM Coastguard also issued safety advice for people heading to the coast, as data from the water incident database shows most drownings happened in July over the last three years. People have enjoyed the water and sunbathing at Clevedon Marine Lake in Somerset (Ben Birchall/PA) As well as the amber alerts, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has yellow alerts in place until Monday for the North East, North West and Yorkshire and Humber. Yorkshire Water brought in restrictions on using hosepipes for activities such as watering the garden, cleaning cars and filling paddling pools, on Friday, as part of efforts to protect supplies in the face of yet more dry weather forecast for the coming weeks. South East Water said demand for drinking water had reached 'record levels since May', adding: 'This situation has left us with no choice but to restrict the use of hosepipes and sprinklers, so we can help our reservoirs and underground water storage recover.' It means customers in Kent and Sussex are banned from using a hosepipe to water gardens and plants, clean vehicles, fill swimming pools or ponds or clean paths, walls or windows from July 18. (PA Graphics) Those who ignore the bans could face fines of up to £1,000. The London Fire Brigade said it has responded to 24 wildfires this year, five of which occurred this week, including one in Manor Park, east London, on Friday, where 70 firefighters fought to tackle a grass fire on Wanstead Flats. The risk of wildfires in London is currently rated 'severe' by the Natural Hazards Partnership. Meanwhile, Scottish fire crews spent a second day tackling a wildfire in Perth near the M90 in the Craigend area, as an 'extreme' wildfire warning is in place for much of the nation. (PA Graphics) National Rail warned train passengers that the hot weather may cause disruption this weekend. 'Heat can cause overhead lines to expand and sag, rails to buckle, and also line-side fires,' it said on its website. Meanwhile, the RNLI warned beachgoers that, despite the heat, there is still a risk of cold water shock. Ross Macleod, the charity's water safety manager, said: 'Even in hot weather, the seas around our coasts are cold enough year-round to trigger cold water shock, while waves and rip currents can overpower even the most experienced water users.'
Leader Live
20-06-2025
- Climate
- Leader Live
Warning issued as fire crews called to more than 500 wildfires in 2025 so far
As of Thursday, 564 wildfire incidents have been responded to by English and Welsh fire and rescue services so far this year, which is a 717% increase on the same period in 2024, and more than double the number seen in 2022 which went on to be the worst year on record for wildfires, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) said. The NFCC is now urging caution among members of the public when enjoying the outdoors in a bid to prevent further spikes in incidents. It comes after the UK broke its record for the warmest day of the year twice on the same day, with the temperature reaching as high as 32.2C on Thursday. And it is expected to get hotter yet, as the highest temperatures this week are forecast for Saturday, with low 30s fairly widely across England, and up to 34C possible in eastern areas, the Met Office said. As the drier weather continues and temperatures rise, there are also concerns that the UK will see more wildfires in areas where homes and businesses border rural areas, the NFCC added. The public is also being urged to take care when in, on or around water. NFCC chairman Phil Garrigan said: 'We are deeply concerned about the escalating threat of wildfires this summer, which have the potential to become more frequent, intense and dangerous – particularly in areas where communities border the countryside. 'We all need to play our part in protecting each other, our environment and our homes and businesses. 'We want everyone to enjoy the nice weather, we are just asking that they take extra care when out and about because it only takes one small error to lead to a significant wildfire. 'Fire and rescue services are already under significant pressure, having responded to hundreds of wildfires this year alone. 'We are incredibly proud of the unwavering commitment and preparedness of our fire and rescue services. 'However, wildfires are no longer rare or isolated incidents – they are a growing national risk that require a national-level response. 'Without more adequate and sustained funding, fire and rescue services will continue to be stretched to the limit.' Public safety advice issued by the NFCC includes avoiding the use of disposable barbecues in open countryside, parks, and moorland areas and not discarding cigarettes, matches, or glass bottles, as they can ignite dry vegetation. With drier conditions during this time of year meaning that fires can burn into peat, and can burn for longer, it is likely some fires will take a number of days – rather than hours – to extinguish, causing more damage and placing further pressure on fire and rescue services, the NFCC added. Across July 18 and 19 in 2022, the hottest days of that year, 84 wildfires were recorded, and 14 fire and rescue services declared major incidents, nine of which were linked to difficulties in responding due to the increase in operational demand, the NFCC said.
South Wales Guardian
20-06-2025
- Climate
- South Wales Guardian
Warning issued as fire crews called to more than 500 wildfires in 2025 so far
As of Thursday, 564 wildfire incidents have been responded to by English and Welsh fire and rescue services so far this year, which is a 717% increase on the same period in 2024, and more than double the number seen in 2022 which went on to be the worst year on record for wildfires, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) said. The NFCC is now urging caution among members of the public when enjoying the outdoors in a bid to prevent further spikes in incidents. It comes after the UK broke its record for the warmest day of the year twice on the same day, with the temperature reaching as high as 32.2C on Thursday. And it is expected to get hotter yet, as the highest temperatures this week are forecast for Saturday, with low 30s fairly widely across England, and up to 34C possible in eastern areas, the Met Office said. As the drier weather continues and temperatures rise, there are also concerns that the UK will see more wildfires in areas where homes and businesses border rural areas, the NFCC added. The public is also being urged to take care when in, on or around water. NFCC chairman Phil Garrigan said: 'We are deeply concerned about the escalating threat of wildfires this summer, which have the potential to become more frequent, intense and dangerous – particularly in areas where communities border the countryside. 'We all need to play our part in protecting each other, our environment and our homes and businesses. 'We want everyone to enjoy the nice weather, we are just asking that they take extra care when out and about because it only takes one small error to lead to a significant wildfire. 'Fire and rescue services are already under significant pressure, having responded to hundreds of wildfires this year alone. 'We are incredibly proud of the unwavering commitment and preparedness of our fire and rescue services. 'However, wildfires are no longer rare or isolated incidents – they are a growing national risk that require a national-level response. 'Without more adequate and sustained funding, fire and rescue services will continue to be stretched to the limit.' Public safety advice issued by the NFCC includes avoiding the use of disposable barbecues in open countryside, parks, and moorland areas and not discarding cigarettes, matches, or glass bottles, as they can ignite dry vegetation. With drier conditions during this time of year meaning that fires can burn into peat, and can burn for longer, it is likely some fires will take a number of days – rather than hours – to extinguish, causing more damage and placing further pressure on fire and rescue services, the NFCC added. Across July 18 and 19 in 2022, the hottest days of that year, 84 wildfires were recorded, and 14 fire and rescue services declared major incidents, nine of which were linked to difficulties in responding due to the increase in operational demand, the NFCC said.
Glasgow Times
20-06-2025
- Climate
- Glasgow Times
Warning issued as fire crews called to more than 500 wildfires in 2025 so far
As of Thursday, 564 wildfire incidents have been responded to by English and Welsh fire and rescue services so far this year, which is a 717% increase on the same period in 2024, and more than double the number seen in 2022 which went on to be the worst year on record for wildfires, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) said. The NFCC is now urging caution among members of the public when enjoying the outdoors in a bid to prevent further spikes in incidents. It comes after the UK broke its record for the warmest day of the year twice on the same day, with the temperature reaching as high as 32.2C on Thursday. And it is expected to get hotter yet, as the highest temperatures this week are forecast for Saturday, with low 30s fairly widely across England, and up to 34C possible in eastern areas, the Met Office said. As the drier weather continues and temperatures rise, there are also concerns that the UK will see more wildfires in areas where homes and businesses border rural areas, the NFCC added. The public is also being urged to take care when in, on or around water. NFCC chairman Phil Garrigan said: 'We are deeply concerned about the escalating threat of wildfires this summer, which have the potential to become more frequent, intense and dangerous – particularly in areas where communities border the countryside. 'We all need to play our part in protecting each other, our environment and our homes and businesses. 'We want everyone to enjoy the nice weather, we are just asking that they take extra care when out and about because it only takes one small error to lead to a significant wildfire. 'Fire and rescue services are already under significant pressure, having responded to hundreds of wildfires this year alone. (PA Graphics) 'We are incredibly proud of the unwavering commitment and preparedness of our fire and rescue services. 'However, wildfires are no longer rare or isolated incidents – they are a growing national risk that require a national-level response. 'Without more adequate and sustained funding, fire and rescue services will continue to be stretched to the limit.' Public safety advice issued by the NFCC includes avoiding the use of disposable barbecues in open countryside, parks, and moorland areas and not discarding cigarettes, matches, or glass bottles, as they can ignite dry vegetation. With drier conditions during this time of year meaning that fires can burn into peat, and can burn for longer, it is likely some fires will take a number of days – rather than hours – to extinguish, causing more damage and placing further pressure on fire and rescue services, the NFCC added. Across July 18 and 19 in 2022, the hottest days of that year, 84 wildfires were recorded, and 14 fire and rescue services declared major incidents, nine of which were linked to difficulties in responding due to the increase in operational demand, the NFCC said.
