The Met Office has issued a rare red weather alert for Oxfordshire ahead of the heatwave this week, citing a "danger to life".
Forecasters are warning of an “exceptional spell of hot and humid weather” across the county, with conditions severe enough to affect everyone, not just those who are usually vulnerable to high temperatures.
In Oxford, temperatures are expected to climb to around 36C at their peak this week, with much of the county seeing values well into the 30s as the hot spell intensifies.
Heat warnings are in force from Monday through to Thursday, with very warm nights offering little relief and raising concerns for people who struggle to keep cool, especially in top-floor flats and older homes.
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According to the Met Office, “an exceptional spell of hot and humid weather is expected across this region, with impacts to the general population highly likely.”
The red alert means population‑wide adverse health impacts are considered “highly likely”, with the risk of serious illness or danger to life extending beyond the elderly and those with existing conditions.
The official guidance warns of “population-wide adverse health effects experienced, not limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat, leading to serious illness or danger to life”.
It also states that “substantial changes in working practices and daily routines will be required” as temperatures peak, with employers and individuals urged to adapt where possible.
There is also a “high risk of failure of heat-sensitive systems and equipment, with the loss of power and other essential services, such as water, electricity, gas or mobile phone services”.
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Cherwell District Council and West Oxfordshire District Councils have alerted residents to changes to the bin collection times this week due to the warm weather.
Both authorities will have binmen collecting earlier in the day for the safety of those working, meaning people should put theirs out before 6am on the day.
Travel is likely to be affected, with the warning highlighting “delays on roads and road closures, along with delays and cancellations to rail and air travel, with significant welfare issues for those who experience even moderate delays.”
People in Oxfordshire are being urged to take simple steps to protect themselves in the heat.
Advice includes drinking plenty of fluids, staying out of the sun and avoiding any exercise between 11am and 3pm when the sun is at its strongest, as well as closing curtains in rooms that face the sun.
Oxfordshire fire service warned of "highly likely" impacts to the general population in the county and added: "Water may be tempting, but it is dangerous. Please only go to lifeguarded sites and pools.
"BBQ's are great, but make sure you use designated areas and do not have them in open grass areas, as the risk of wildfires is high."
During the last heatwave, 15 people died in the UK from water-related incidents, including in Oxford with 14-year-old Baltazar L'Quy who died in the water at Donnington Bridge.
For those planning to cool off at rivers, lakes or other open water, the guidance is to enter the water gradually rather than jumping or diving straight in, to reduce the risk of cold‑water shock, and to choose lifeguarded or supervised areas.
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