Ambulance Service Prepares for Increased Demand Amid Heatwave and World Cup
Temperatures are forecast to reach 40C in certain areas of the UK.
South East Coast Ambulance Service is preparing for a significant rise in emergency callouts as temperatures climb and England competes in the World Cup.
The service reported receiving over 3,500 emergency calls daily during the busiest period of the May bank holiday, representing a 30% increase compared to typical volumes.
With high temperatures expected to persist until at least Thursday, the ambulance service anticipates a similar surge, further intensified by England's match against Ghana on Tuesday evening.
Members of the public are urged to reserve 999 calls for genuine emergencies to alleviate pressure on ambulance resources.
For non-emergency situations, individuals are advised to contact the NHS 111 service or consult a community pharmacist.
Football fans enjoying the World Cup are encouraged to
"plan ahead, stay hydrated with soft drinks and water, and ensure they get home safely,"according to the ambulance service.
The Met Office has issued a red extreme heat warning covering parts of the Midlands, south-east Wales, and southern England, with temperatures expected to reach 40C (104F) later this week.
This warning will be effective from 09:00 BST on Wednesday until 21:00 on Thursday.
School Closures and Adjustments Due to Extreme Heat
Several schools have announced closures or early finishes later this week to safeguard pupils amid the extreme heat.
Cheam High School in Surrey will close around lunchtime on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Priory School in Lewes and Uckfield College in East Sussex have also confirmed partial closures on Wednesday and Thursday.
Other schools are modifying schedules to protect students from heat exposure.
Leigh Academy Snowfields in Cranbrook, Kent, posted on social media that sports days have been cancelled, pupils may wear PE kits to stay cool, and children will remain indoors during lunchtimes from Tuesday to Thursday.
Greenvale Primary School in Chatham announced adjustments to PE and other timetables to avoid
"more energetic activities, particularly in the hottest parts of the day."
Travel Advice Amid Heatwave
Southern Rail has advised passengers traveling to, from, or within areas affected by extreme heat to only travel if
"absolutely necessary during record heatwave."
A Southern spokesperson noted that the high temperatures expected on Tuesday could increase the likelihood of disruptions to train services.
Southeastern has also recommended commuters avoid peak travel times, as journeys to and from coastal towns are expected to be busy.
Impact of Heat Warning in the South East
As the UK faces several days of soaring temperatures, thunderstorms occurred overnight, affecting parts of Kent and East Sussex, including Bexhill.
Thunderstorms were reported in Kent in the early hours of Tuesday.
Other services across the South East have been affected by the hot weather.
The National Trust announced that Polesden Lacey in Surrey is closed from Tuesday due to
"local road closures and extreme heat."
All on-site events at the location have been cancelled, with the organisation anticipating reopening on Saturday.
South East Water (SEW) reported on its website that areas across Kent and Sussex are experiencing water supply disruptions due to a burst water main.
Affected locations include Berwick, Polegate, Broader Lane, Deitling, and Maidstone.
Properties on Copthorne Road in Crawley have been experiencing supply issues since Sunday, which are ongoing.
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