The Met Office has issued its first ever red extreme heat warning for England this Monday and Tuesday (18 and 19 July).

Exceptional, perhaps record-breaking, temperatures are likely on Monday, then again on Tuesday. Nights are also likely to be exceptionally warm for the UK, especially in urban areas. 

Weather forecasters now say there is an 80 per cent chance of the mercury topping the UK's highest ever recorded temperature of 38.7 Celsius, set in Cambridge in July 2019.

The UK Health Security Agency has today raised its heat health warning to Level 4.

Level 4 is reached when it is thought that a heatwave will be so severe that even fit and healthly people could become ill or die.

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Rubbish and recycling collection times will change next week in order to protect staff as temperatures continue to soar.

From this Monday (18 July) until Friday 22 July, collections will start one hour earlier than usual from 6am.

This will help our contractors Serco and their crews to work in lower temperatures earlier in the day and try to avoid the most intense heat later.

Residents should have their bags out ready for collection by 6am on the day of their normal collection.

Please share this information with friends and neighbours, particularly those without internet access, who may not be aware of this change for next week.

We thank residents for their support and understanding and aim to keep disruption to a minimum.

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Keep up-to-date with any changes to Havering Council services by visiting the service disruptions page on our website.

Please share any relevant information with neighbours, friends or relations who may not have internet access.

Please also keep an eye on neighbours, particularly those who are elderly or vulnerable.

Harold Hill, Upminster, Hornchurch, Romford, and Rainham libraries will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, as will the community food shop located above Harold Hill library that is usually open on Tuesdays.

Schools may also have to change their opening hours in the event, for example, of staff shortages, so please check our website service disruptions page for more information, or follow Havering Council on Facebook or Twitter. 

Service disruptions

Extremely high temperatures are forecast from Sunday to Tuesday so it is essential to keep safe and well.

Our advice includes, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, checking in on the elderly and keeping children cool in the heat.

Government advice is that 999 services should be used in emergencies only; seek advice from 111 if you need non-emergency health advice.

Here are some things you can do to beat the heat:

• keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm
• have plenty of cold drinks, and avoid excess alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks 
• carry a water bottle. You can fill it up at Refill London sites
• sprinkle water over the skin or clothing, or keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck 
• keep windows that are exposed to the sun closed during the day, and, if safe to do so, open windows at night when the temperature has dropped 
• close curtains that receive morning or afternoon sun
• turn off non-essential lights and electrical equipment – they generate heat 
• ensure that babies, children and elderly people are not left alone in stationary cars 
• if you have a health problem, and have heat cramps that last for more than an hour, seek medical attention
• consult your doctor if you feel unusual symptoms or if symptoms persist

And here are some things you should NOT do during this heatwave:

• leave pets in cars or other hot environments
• swim in lakes or rivers. Swimming is not permitted in any of the lakes in Havering's parks and open water can be very cold, even when the weather is hot. Those going into cold water can get cramp and experience breathing difficulties very quickly
• have a barbecue on any balcony or in any of Havering's parks
• overload power sockets with multiple fans or other electrical items

Visit the NHS website for more useful tips to beat the heat.

NHS heat help

On Havering Council's website there is a list of emergency contact numbers so please use these if necessary.

Emergency contacts

The Friends of Langtons Gardens and Fielders Field, have cancelled their volunteering days, training sessions and walks that were to be held on Monday and Tuesday (18 and 19 July).

These activities will be rescheduled for Monday 15 August.

All Havering Council owned leisure centres (including Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre, pictured) will be permitting residents to use them to keep out of the sun and heat.

The centres also offer free water refills from their cafes and water fountains. Plastic cups will be provided if customers don't have a cup or bottle with them.

All the centres have trained first aiders who will support anyone who feels unwell in the hot weather - even if they are not involved in an activity at the centre. 

The tennis courts at Noak Hill Leisure Centre will not be available for booking on Monday and Tuesday. A gazebo has been set up as a shading zone to support those using the 3G football pitches.