HEALTH warnings have been issued as Jersey faces an extreme heatwave which could smash the Island’s temperature record.
Following more warm and dry conditions this week, a plume of unusually hot air is expected to push up from France over the coming weekend.
Jersey Met says the mercury is likely to hit 35°C or 36°C on Sunday and Monday, but could be as high as 38°C, and will probably not fall below 20°C at night.
Parts of south-east England could experience even hotter conditions, with one computer model forecasting a UK temperature of over 40°C for the very first time.
The UK Met Office has issued a rare ‘amber extreme heat warning’ for large parts of England, which states that the high temperatures are likely to cause ‘population-wide adverse health effects’ and that ‘substantial changes in working practices and daily routines are likely to be required’.
Jersey’s government, which has been liaising with Jersey Met this week, has urged Islanders to take precautions, warning that ‘extreme heat can cause heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and dehydration’ and that children and the elderly were most at risk.
Professor Peter Bradley, Jersey’s director of public health, said: ‘With temperatures set to rise in the coming days, it is vital that Islanders, especially those at risk, take the necessary precautions when out and about.
‘Those at greatest risk include elderly people, babies, and young children as well as those with a serious chronic condition such as heart or breathing problems.
‘I urge Islanders to follow advice and to check up on friends, relatives, and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves.’
Matt Winter, duty forecaster at Jersey Met, said there was a ‘reasonable chance’ that Jersey’s record high of 36°C – set at Maison St Louis in St Saviour on 9 August 2003 and the Airport on 23 July 2019 – could be broken.
He added: ‘There is the potential for some extremely high temperatures as we go into Sunday and Monday.
‘At the moment is looking like it could reach 35°C or 36°C but it could be as high as 37°C or 38°C.’
Nearby France is expected to see temperatures into the low 40s.
Asked whether Jersey could hit 40°C, he said: ‘Forty for Jersey would be exceptional and would probably be beyond the realms of what we could get here as the sea has a buffering effect on the temperatures.
‘It is not impossible, but I would say it is very, very unlikely.’
Jersey is also set to be in an absolute drought – a period of at least 15 consecutive days with no measurable rainfall – by Friday.
The spell of hot weather comes after each of the first six months of the year recorded above-average temperatures and saw total rainfall 25% below average.
And it follows the joint-fifth warmest June on record, which also set a new record temperature for the month of 33.2°C.
Although the hot weather will be welcomed by sunworshippers, it raises further concerns about the effect of global warming.
The recent hot conditions across western Europe which brought June’s record high was the earliest summer heatwave recorded across France and Spain, where temperatures peaked in the low 40s. Jersey Water, which has capacity to store 2,678 million litres, saw levels drop by 80 million litres last week alone.
On Sunday, the Island used 22 million litres – the highest daily consumption this year – and although reservoir levels are still healthy, the company has urged people to use water wisely.
Simon Le Huray, customer services manager at Jersey Water, said: ‘We are doing okay as we had a wet winter and the reservoirs are at 83% of capacity, which is good for the time of the year.
We have also seen evidence of people saving water, as consumption is lower than average for this point in the summer.
‘However, we would always urge people to save water when they can, particularly as we are in a dry spell. If people need to water their garden we would ask them to use a watering can and not a hosepipe, and to avoid using pressure washers or washing their cars.’
The company also has water-saving advice on its website.
Meanwhile, Jersey Fire and Rescue has urged people to take extra precautions to reduce the risk of wildfires. In a tweet, they said: ‘Fully extinguish your cigarettes and never throw them from a car. Keep disposable BBQs well away from trees, shrubs fences and sheds.
Public Health’s staying cool advice
– Shut windows, shades, blinds or curtains to keep your rooms cool
– If possible, stay out of the sun for long periods and avoid the hottest part of the day, which could be later in the afternoon.
– Wear sunscreen and hats when outside
– Have cool baths or showers
– Drink plenty of water. Avoid tea, coffee, and alcohol
– Wear loose, cool clothing
– Help those who are likely to struggle in the heat
– Ensure that babies, young children, and pets are not locked into vehicles
