Britain on high alert over heatwave, social services affected

British authorities announced a rare extreme heat emergency for large parts of England on Monday, with temperatures expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) for the first time in British history.

The record-high temperatures were expected to disrupt travel, health care and schools as well as pose a serious threat to life.

Authorities placed more ambulances and medical workers on call amid health fears.

The Level 4 alert, issued by the Health Security Agency (UKSHA) for Monday and Tuesday, is defined as a “national heat emergency” and was triggered for the first time on record.

The UK Met Office warned that the temperatures posed serious risks, including severe illness and death, even among healthy people.

It said there was a high risk of localized loss of power, water and mobile phone services.

The national rail network asked customers not to use its services unless essential.

Severe delays due to warped tracks and failing power supplies were expected, and some services, including a key route between northeastern England and London, were suspended for parts of Tuesday.

London’s metro network was running a reduced service on Monday and Tuesday, urging commuters to only travel if absolutely necessary.

Luton airport near London had to suspend arrivals and departures of flights after the high temperature caused a defect on the surface of the runway.

While some schools were due to stay closed, others were preparing to cool off the children by setting up wading pools and water spray.

To relieve strain on the health service, some medical procedures were cancelled.