The areas in England most vulnerable to hotter weather have been revealed, following Met Office reports that exceptional heat is possible for southern and central areas in the coming days.
We might enjoy basking in the sunshine, but Birmingham could be the hardest hit and least able to cope in the future, according to an analysis from Manchester University and campaigners Friends of the Earth (FoE). The London boroughs of Newham, Tower Hamlets and Hackney also made the list, as did Nottingham and Leicester.
Unlike vast, green spaces which provide shelter from the sun (and offer a much-needed breeze), urban areas with concrete buildings absorb more warmth, with some likely to overheat.
Read more on the heatwave:
The findings, which send "a very strong signal to politicians that we need to double down on cutting our carbon emissions," found that the number of people exposed to extreme heat increasingly grows as the planet warms up. The UK's climate has continued to warm, with around 800 extra people dying due to heat each year.
"Extreme heatwaves and health alerts like we're seeing this week, will become much more frequent and severe due to climate change," Mike Childs, FoE's head of science, policy and research, told Sky News. "To prevent the most dangerous scenarios becoming a reality, all countries, including the UK, must make greater efforts to prevent runaway climate breakdown."
Take a look at the full list of places:
30 areas in England most at risk from hotter weather
- Birmingham
- Newham
- Tower Hamlets
- Hackney
- Nottingham
- Southwark
- Leicester
- Enfield
- Ealing
- Haringey
- Waltham Forest
- Lambeth
- Brent
- Coventry
- Bristol
- Peterborough
- Croydon
- Barking and Dagenham
- Lewisham
- Islington
- Southampton
- Luton
- Greenwich
- West Northamptonshire
- Hounslow
- Wandsworth
- Westminster
- Slough
- Reading
- Camden
Mike concludes, saying: "People on the frontlines of the climate crisis in the UK and overseas are already being hit by its impacts, despite being the least responsible.
"We need governments to double-down on cutting emissions and providing funding for climate adaptation programmes, such as planting street trees."
7 stylish garden solar fence lights to illuminate your outdoor space
ELLASAY Outdoor Garden Solar Fence Lights
Add a soft glow to fences, patios and garden walls with these easy-to-fit solar lights. Choose from three light tones to suit the mood, from warm and cosy for evening drinks to brighter, crisper light for pathways and entrances. The shaped lens creates a pretty 3D effect after dark, while solar charging, dusk-to-dawn lighting and a weatherproof finish make them a simple, low-maintenance choice for the garden all year round.
Lights4fun 10 Rattan Ball Solar Powered Fairy String Lights
Add a touch of boho charm to garden fences with these solar-powered rattan ball lights. Each woven shade diffuses a warm white glow that highlights natural textures and creates a relaxed, inviting atmosphere after sunset. Strung along fencing, pergolas or outdoor seating areas, they bring decorative interest during the day and a soft ambient light for al fresco dining and summer evenings outdoors.
Bring a golden glow to fences, trellis panels and garden seating areas with this set of hanging solar tea lights. Featuring a delicate gold-effect finish and warm white LEDs, they add a touch of sparkle to outdoor spaces after dark. Hang them from fence hooks, pergolas or nearby branches to create a cosy atmosphere for summer evenings.
This affordable four-pack is a simple way to brighten a fence, wall or planted border after dark. Attach them to a vertical surface and they’ll cast a clean white light downwards, helping to pick out pots, pathways or garden features without trailing cables.
A matte black finish and clean, cylindrical design make this mounted solar light our top pick for contemporary homes. It's fitted with long-life, replaceable LED bulbs, and has an IP44 rating for weather resistance.
Habitat Garden by Sainsburys 20 Bee LED Solar String Lights
These bee-shaped solar lights are a cheerful choice for a fence or pergola. The string has 20 warm white LEDs, so it will add a gentle glow after dark without needing a plug. Try them above a seating area, along a fence panel or woven through a little greenery.
Smart Garden Solar-powered 40 LED Outdoor String lights, Pack of 1
Ideal for evenings alfresco, these 40 solar-powered lights give off a soft warm glow. The cable stretches for 13.7m in total, which means they're perfect for stringing around fences trees, parasols or gazebos.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
