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The British government is holding an emergency response meeting today after soaring temperatures and local authorities issued the first red alert for extreme heat early next week.
The warning covers much of England on Monday and Tuesday, with temperatures likely to reach 40 degrees Celsius for the first time in the country, posing an additional health risk, England’s Met Office (MET) said on Tuesday.
The British temperature record was 38.7 degrees Celsius and was set in 2019.
Passengers on London trains and Tubes are advised not to travel on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Children and the elderly are considered vulnerable to high temperatures, so schools and nursing homes have been advised to take measures to protect students and elderly residents.
“If people need to travel, they should check before they travel as we expect some disruption to metro and rail services as a result of the temporary speed restrictions, which we need to introduce to keep everyone safe,” director Andy Lord said. Transport for London manages the capital’s transport system.
The warning comes as scientists say climate change is increasing the likelihood of exceptional heatwaves in Britain, where it is not normal.
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