15 July 2022
For the first time temperatures of 40°C have been forecast in the UK and the Met Office has issued the first ever Red warning for exceptional heat.
Exceptional heat is expected to affect a large part of England early next week (18 July), with temperatures likely in the high 30s C in some places and perhaps even reaching 40°C.
Latest national information
- NHS - how to cope in hot weather
- Met Office - Stay up to date with the weather forecast
- Gov - Beat the heat: stay safe in hot weather
Heat warnings in Suffolk
Amber extreme heat warning - for all of Suffolk on:
- Sunday 17 July
- Monday 18 July
- Tuesday 19 July
Red extreme heat warning - for parts of West Suffolk on:
- Monday 18 July
- Tuesday 19 July
The Met Office warns of widespread impacts on people and infrastructure, including:
- Risk of adverse health effects leading to serious illness or danger to life - not just limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat
- The need to substantially change working practices and daily routines
- A high risk of failure of heat-sensitive systems and equipment, potentially leading to loss of power and other essential services, such as water or mobile phone services
- Significantly more people visiting coastal areas, lakes and river, leading to an increased risk of water safety incidents
- Delays on roads and road closures, along with delays and cancellations to rail and air travel
Schools in Suffolk
The schools closure website will be regularly updated on Monday and Tuesday morning. The decision to close a school is taken by the headteacher. They also make their own provision for keeping the children safe.
Roads in Suffolk
Suffolk Highways is well prepared for the rising temperatures and the gritting fleet will be used to undertake some pre-emptive dusting at sites that have recently been surface dressed. This reduces the risk of the material breaking away from the surface. Please take care when travelling, and if you spot any problems with the roads, please call our emergency number on 0345 606 6171.
Advice on fire prevention
During hot weather, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service encourage people to avoid barbecues and campfires on dry grass or near hedges, put out cigarettes properly before disposing of them, and call 999 immediately at the first sign of a fire. Read more guidance on fire prevention during hot weather.
You may also find this page helpful: Severe Weather Information | Useful Contacts