KINGSWOOD is braced for more extreme weather this summer following two record-breaking heatwaves in May and June.
The rare red extreme heat warning issued by the Met Office last month forced the closure of many schools for two days and led to cancellations of recycling collections.
It was only the second such alert – the first was in 2022. The Met Office says a red warning means “a risk to life for even the healthy population”.
The extreme heat saw temperatures in the region peaking at 36.7C (98F) on June 25th.
The region was hit twice by violent thunderstorms, which affected electricity supplies and internet connections.
Avon Fire & Rescue Service attended five fires caused by lightning strikes on June 22, including one that destroyed a house in Emersons Green.
Many schools announced they would be either closing early or not opening at all between June 23 and 25.
Health officials issued advice about how to stay safe in the heat as forecasters warned that there was a likelihood of further very high temperatures in the coming months.
South Western Ambulance Service reported more than 5,200 emergency 999 calls and 4,300 incidents on the 25th – the highest ever recorded and 34% above expected daily demand for the time of year.
The service saw “significant increases in patients requiring help for falls, breathing difficulties, and unconsciousness or fainting”.
At Hillfields Park Community Centre, over 500 people attended ‘cool play’ sessions on the 24th and 25th, after the charity that runs the centre invited people to escape the heat in its air conditioned rooms.
A Hillfields Community Garden spokesperson said: “Our energy bills will have gone up this week – so if you are able, we would appreciate any donations you can make.”
As the holidays approach, schools have been warning pupils about the dangers of swimming in open water. Bristol Water urged people to keep out of reservoirs, which are operational sites and can contain deep, cold water, hidden machinery and strong currents beneath the surface.
South Gloucestershire Council had to cancel some recycling collections. Residents were advised to have bins and recycling ready from 5.30am, as crews started and ended rounds early to avoid the worst of the heat. Sort It recycling centres also opened earlier, with bookings from 7am, and shut earlier, with last booking slots at 1.45pm.
The council said: “Extreme temperatures mean crews may need to work slower, and there is an increased risk of vehicle issues. This could lead to some delays, and it’s possible your waste will not be collected on your usual collection day. We are working with our contractor to gain additional resources and alternative collection methods may be used to minimise disruption.”