COBRA call meeting as national heatwave emergency could be declared

Sky News reported that officials held a crisis COBRA meeting inside Downing Street on Monday (July 11) to consider the move.

Forecasters have said there is a 30% chance that Sunday (July 17) will be the hottest day the UK has ever seen.

There is a possibility that local hosepipe restrictions will be introduced, especially in the south, if high temperatures persist.

Weather models suggest it is possible - but not likely - that the temperature could go above 40C in the UK.

Temperatures coming down a touch over the next couple of days (though still warm enough for most of us) before markedly rising during the weekend pic.twitter.com/9GefAJchpW

— Met Office (@metoffice) July 12, 2022

What is a national heatwave emergency?

The UK Health Security Agency states that a level four national emergency is declared when the hot weather is so extreme that "illness and death may occur among the fit and healthy" as well as vulnerable people.

Sky News reports that if implemented, it could cause widespread disruption to schools, travel, health services and even nuclear power plants.

Train tracks could warp or buckle under extreme heat and road surfaces could have a chance of melting.

High temperatures result in lower efficiency of power stations, with nuclear reactors at risk of tripping out above 40C.

Water quality could be compromised, which would mean toxic algal blooms poisoning fish and other aquatic life.

Additionally, drier than usual grass and vegetation could result in some wildfires.

The hot weather could be a danger to fit and healthy people (PA) (Image: PA)

Will schools close in a heatwave?

Schools follow the same regulations as workplaces. Under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, Employers have alegal obligation to ensure that the temperature in the workplace is “reasonable”.

Despite the guidance under law, the government has not specified a specific temperature in the workplace which would mean employees, or in this case, students, are sent home.

Ultimately it is up to the employer or school to decide whether the temperature in the workplace is suitable for workers or students.

Top tips for sleeping in the heat

How to keep newborns cool in a heatwave?

The NHS website offers advice to parents on keeping children under the age of 12 months cool.

It recommends a number of things, including:

• Playing in a paddling pool is a good way of keeping babies and children cool. Keep the pool in the shade during very hot weather and supervise the children carefully at all times.   
• Run them a cool bath before bedtime.
• Keep your child's bedroom cool during the day by closing blinds or curtains. You can also use a fan to circulate the air in the room.  
• Keep nightwear and bedclothes to a minimum. If your baby kicks or pushes off the covers during the night, consider putting them in just a nappy with a single well-secured sheet that will not work loose and cover their face or get entangled during the night.  
• A nursery thermometer will help you monitor the temperature of your baby's room. Your baby will sleep most comfortably when their room is between 16C and 20C.