With temperatures likely to exceed the recent heatwave highs, the grid is likely to come under more pressure
The UK have been warned of a power blackout as record breaking temperatures are forecast (Image: Getty)
The UK has been warned of the potential for a power blackout as 41C temperatures are forecast to hit the nation in a new heatwave that could push the grid to ‘breaking point’.
Forecasters predict that the UK may see the hottest day ever recorded as a fresh heatwave is expected within the week, with areas in the south east of England climbing to highs of 41C.
Several counties are also predicted to bask in 40C heat, with another wave of disruption likely to cause carnage as services exceed demand limits and sweltering temperatures impact everyday life.
The recent spout of extreme heat led to several power cuts across London and Somerset, with a whopping 35 areas issued warnings regarding a loss of power.
The Met Office warned that the heat would bring a risk of “failure” which will lead to a “probable loss of power” and other essential services, such as water, electricity, gas or mobile phone services.
With temperatures likely to exceed the recent highs, this problem is only expected to intensify.
Another heatwave is expected to cause disruption (Image: Getty)
According to infrastructure expert Taco Engelaar, as energy demand climbs in extreme heat, some areas will “push the grid to breaking point – disrupting supply and leaving homes without power”.
Engelaar added: “In 2022’s 40C heatwave, thousands of homes lost power after transformers failed and conductors drooped.”
When the temperatures soared to an all time high four years ago, 15,000 homes in England lost power.
Following the disturbance last week, if temperatures do climb to above 40C, thousands of households will be at high risk of losing power.
Engelaar added: “In high temperatures, sagging power lines can come into contact with dry vegetation, sparking wildfires.
“These fires don’t just pose a threat to communities – they can severely damage infrastructure, leading to extended outages. And in some cases, utilities are forced to shut off parts of the network pre-emptively to reduce the risk.
“Once damage occurs, safety concerns mean repairs can be slower in extreme heat, increasing the length of localised blackouts.”
Ahead of the sweltering heatwave, Brits are advised to be prepared for a loss of power, including having a kit prepped.
This includes torches, any critical medical information and trying to keep devices fully charged ahead of any emergencies.
The Met Office also urges people to assist any vulnerable people, including elderly relatives and neighbours.