UK Heatwave: Live updates as ‘red alert’ extreme heat warning now in force in Lancashire

A red weather warning for ‘extreme heat’ is now in force in parts of Lancashire as the UK faces record temperatures of up to 40C today (Monday, July 18).
The Met Office has issued a red weather warning for extreme heat across parts of Lancashire as the country faces record highs of 40C today (Monday, July 18)The Met Office has issued a red weather warning for extreme heat across parts of Lancashire as the country faces record highs of 40C today (Monday, July 18)
The Met Office has issued a red weather warning for extreme heat across parts of Lancashire as the country faces record highs of 40C today (Monday, July 18)

The UK is currently recording temperatures higher than Spain and the Bahamas and the Met Office has warned of record-breaking temperatures over the next couple of days.

“Currently there is a 50 per cent chance we could see temperatures top 40C and 80 per cent we will see a new maximum temperature reached,” said Met Office Chief Meteorologist Paul Gundersen.

Follow our live blog for all the latest updates on the heatwave in Lancashire and across the North West today.

UK Heatwave: Live updates as ‘red alert’ extreme heat warning now in force in Lancashire

Police shut Lancs beach after ‘suspicious object’ found

Police have shut Cleveleys beach and are warning people to stay away after a ‘suspicious object’ was found this morning.

The Army bomb squad has been called to the scene to inspect the potential explosive which was discovered in the sand at around 8am.

Police and Coastguard have cordoned off a stretch of the beach and Prom near ‘Mary’s Shell’ for the public’s safety.

More details here...

Top tips to keep your dog safe during the heatwave

With scorching temperatures forecast for Lancashire today and tomorrow, it’s vital to keep your pooches safe from the heat.

Veterinary Physiotherapist Tilly Wild has shared some expert tips on keeping your four-legged friends safe and comfortable.

Take a look at her advice here.

Train passengers told to only travel ‘if essential’

Northern is advising people to only travel if essential due to the weather warnings currently in place. The service is operating a reduced timetable and says journeys will be delayed as a result of lower speed limits on the tracks.

Northern said: “There will be significant disruption to services on Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 July due to the forecasted high temperatures and red weather warnings in place.

“We will be reducing the number of trains running and journey times will be significantly extended due to speed restrictions in place.

“Additionally, some routes will be closed completely. Our advice for Monday and Tuesday is as follows:

North West

  • Monday: Only travel if essential. An amended timetable will run, expect delays and cancellations.
  • Tuesday: Only travel if essential. An amended timetable will run, expect delays and cancellations.

Early bin collections due to heat wave

Don’t forget to put your bins out early if you live in the Preston area today.

Bin collections across Preston will be earlier today and Tuesday due to the hot weather forecast, Preston City Council has announced.

It said: “Please be aware that you should have your bin out for 6am - it is ok to leave it out overnight if you wish - as many collections will take place significantly earlier than you may be used to.”

Blackpool hour-by-hour weather

Blackpool and the Fylde coast are covered by an amber weather warning today (Monday) and Tuesday as temperatures are forecast to reach a sweltering 31C.

The highest recorded temperature in Blackpool was 33.7, which was set in July 1976.

You can view TODAY’S hour-by-hour forecast for Blackpool and the Fylde Coast here.

Some schools staying closed during heatwave

Wellfield Academy in Leyland has confirmed it will be staying closed on Monday and Tuesday due to the red weather warning for extreme heat.

Instead, the school will move to remote learning for the next two days.

Also in Leyland, Northbrook Primary Academy in Bannister Drive will only open from 8.45am till 12.30pm on both Monday and Tuesday.