Monday, 18 July, 2022
Updates as the red warning heatwave hits York. Got info or pix? Let us know on Twitter, or at [email protected]
Spark:York said this evening: “If there was a scene to capture how we’re feeling in the extreme heat today, this wee fella just about has it nailed 
“We’ve been monitoring the weather forecast closely over the last week and due to the increase in temperature forecast for tomorrow (Tuesday 19th July) which will now be hitting 40+ degrees, we have decided to remain closed to ensure the safety of our team, traders and guests alike.
“So, we’ll see you all on Wednesday at 12pm.”
A message from the team:
“Hi Guys, we hope you’re keeping cool 
“We have taken the decision due to the heat to close tomorrow and give our stafv the chance to keep cool too.
We will be back open from 2pm on Wednedsay.”
The Pudding Bowl will also be shut as it operates from the same building.
Rachael Maskell, the MP for York Central says she is deeply concerned about the impact of extreme heat on her constituents, not least at a time when the NHS is overloaded and community services are under severe pressure
She believes that residents should have been made aware of cool venues that they could visit if their workplace or home was too hot.
In Parliament she raised the impact of climate change on our infrastructure and how it lacked resilience in conditions, with trains running slow, if at all.
The public has been advised not to travel. The Cabinet Minister, she says, was lack lustre in his response, as if this were not a serious situation.
Later in a question to the Health Secretary, she highlighted how old and vulnerable people can become medically compromised very rapidly in extreme heat and would need urgent attention.
“Basic preparations have not been undertaken to keep residents safe. Responses from both the Cabinet Office and Health Secretaries did not appreciated the seriousness or urgency of the situation.
“At every tier of Government there should have been extensive planning for periods of extreme heat.
“Cool rest facilities should have been put in place, some people live in flats or are working in extremely uncomfortable conditions.
“Even at this late hour, I ask that facilities are made available and old stone churches, which remain cool, open their doors to the public.”
Exchange with the Cabinet Office Secretary, Kit Malthouse MP
Rachael Maskell MP
As the planet is heating up our infrastructure is melting down. Trains today are on go slow, tomorrow they won’t be running at all. At what temperature is our vital infrastructure, including our transport infrastructure designed to operate and when will it be resilient for future heatwaves.”
Kit Malthouse MP
As I said earlier the Hon Lady thinks she is asking a simple question, but it is actually quite a complicated one. The mitigations you put in place to for example on a railway to deal with extreme heat may cause you problems when it gets cold.
Dealing with both those issues is an engineering feat which I am afraid beyond me at the despatch box.
But one of the things we need do over the next 48 hours is learn about exactly the kind of impact that she’s talking about.
We all hope that the system will perform well, but given that we have never experienced these kind of temperatures before, if we hit the record. We just need to be cautious and learn from the experience.
Exchange with the Health Secretary, Steve Barclay MP
Rachael Maskell MP
Older and more vulnerable patients can become very medically compromised, very quickly, in extreme heat. In Yorkshire, you could be waiting for Category 1, 9 ½ minutes; Category 2, 18 minutes over the expected time; and 2 hours 41 for other medical conditions.
As a result of that people clearly need support far earlier and assessment far earlier. What is he doing to deploy first responders in areas so that people can get a medical assessment and intervention far quicker.
Steve Barclay MP
Well I broadly agree with the Hon. Lady in terms of getting targeted support particularly to those in domiciliary care therefore working with those in primary care in terms of that. Specifically, over the coming days through the local resilience forums but more in the medium term through the Integrated Care Boards.
It’s part of that wider package of measures that needs to be put in place, working with primary care, looking at mental health support , looking at what can be done to raise productivity through better use of innovation and technology. And across the board we will be looking at all the innovations that are available to assist with the pressures she highlights
York Dog Park at Knapton is to close tomorrow (Tuesday, 19 July) due to the hot weather.
The popular facility, which opened last summer, will reopen on Wednesday.
“Your dog’s health and safety is our top priority,” the owners said on Facebook.
And they shared these top tips from the British Veterinary Association on keeping your animals cool and safe in the heatwave.
Both York and Selby councils have announced changes to their bin collections tomorrow (Tuesday).
This is from York: “Due to the expected heatwave tomorrow, Tues 19 July, crews will be starting collections earlier than normal from 6am.
“Please present your containers the evening before if you can.
“If your recycling is collected by St Nicks they will also be starting rounds earlier too.”
There’s more on the City of York Council website.
Meanwhile, this is from Selby: “Due to the high temperatures, we have decided to suspend green waste collections tomorrow.
“This will mean all crews will be working together to empty refuse bins and reduce each other’s workload. We have done this so the crews will be able to finish earlier and avoid the extreme temperatures forecast for the afternoon.
“This could mean that some waste collections are earlier than usual, so please make sure your refuse bin is presented by 7am.”
More at Selby District Council here.
How are York’s schools keeping cool in the heatwave? Here’s a couple of answers. This is what the nursery pupils at Poppleton Ousebank Primary were up to this morning…
At Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Primary School they cooled off with some water-based fun – then put their trays to good cooling use!
And there was more outdoor learning at Carr Junior, where they explored in the shade:
We’re used to seeing the gritters come out in York in adverse winter conditions.
But they are being deployed today and tomorrow as we experience the super-hot weather.
City of York Council said:
We know this might look a little strange, but when road surfaces reach high temperatures, it can causes the bitumen to rise to the surface which looks like the surface is melting.
By spreading light dustings of sand it’ll act like a sponge to help soak up any excess bitumen.
Thank you to all these teams for their dedication in what are very difficult working conditions.
Our young reporter Peter Cahill has been out and about this morning seeing how York is doing in the heat and taking these pictures.
Here are his observations from the city centre:
As the heatwave continues, more people are venturing outside to enjoy the sunshine. However, with the temperature still rising, there are fewer people in the city centre than normal.
Places like the Museum Gardens are becoming busier as the day goes on, with people seeking some fresh air.
With the rising heat it is becoming even harder to stay cool, but some shady spots in the park are proving popular.
We hope everyone remembers to put on their sunscreen and stay hydrated and cool in the growing heat.
North Yorkshire Police tweeted: “While diving under a bridge in the Humberside force area last week, our @YaTHMarineUnit colleagues located this steel pole, embedded upright about one metre below the surface.
“Just imagine the consequences if somebody had jumped into that water.”
“Open water come with numerous risks, including cold water shock, contamination, hidden dangers and unknown depths.
“Take extra care to ensure the safety of yourself, your friends and your family.”
Here’s an unusual plea from York Gin: ‘Stay off the booze!’
This is the advice it has posted on its website:
We’re taking the unusual step for a gin company to advise you to lay off the G&Ts on Monday and Tuesday.
With temperatures in York due to hit up to 39C, we’re advising you all to concentrate on keeping as cool as possible and hydrated.
Alcohol makes you sweat more, it makes you wee more – neither helps with hydration.
So our advice is: take a couple of days off the booze – and enjoy a double on Wednesday when it’s all over and it’s raining!
One of York Gin’s founding directors, Emma Godivala, said: “These temperatures are just crazy – and we think the best thing people can do is to concentrate on staying as cool as possible, and avoiding dehydration.
“We’re looking after our distillery and shop staff with extra air conditioners. We won’t be distilling any gin on Monday and Tuesday as it involves heating our copper still. And we’ll keep a watching brief on whether we need to take any other measures.”
She said everyone should “raise a G&T toast when it’s all over. We think by then we’ll all need a double.”
York Energy Advice, the free energy service for York residents, has compiled a list of tips to keep cool over the next couple of days.
It all makes a lot of sense.
Find out more about the service on the York Energy Advice website.
Tips to keep cool in the heatwave (THREAD):
— York Energy Advice (@YorkEnergyAdv) July 18, 2022
Open windows when it's cool outside (night time/early morning), then close them when it starts to warm up.
Keep curtains closed to keep the sun out. If possible get thicker curtains, blackout curtains, or even reflective blinds.
Keep a bottle of water in the fridge for a nice cool drink when you need it, and don't forget to top it up.
— York Energy Advice (@YorkEnergyAdv) July 18, 2022
Use a damp face cloth to cool your skin, especially your face and the back of your neck.
Or if you're really hot, try having a brief cool shower.
Fans can help you feel a bit cooler, and don't cost a huge amount to run. But make sure they are blowing directly on you to get the benefit, rather than just blowing into the room.
— York Energy Advice (@YorkEnergyAdv) July 18, 2022
For more help with keeping cool in summer and warm in winter on a budget, have a look at https://t.co/ZWStI6odNy for details of how to get in touch with us!
— York Energy Advice (@YorkEnergyAdv) July 18, 2022
Jay Commins, managing director of Pyper York has over 25 years of experience in working in PR. It also appears he has a bit of expert knowlege on keeping cool in the summer heat too!
He shared this picture on his social media today.
Scarborough and Ryedale Mountain Rescue team were called out yesterday at Ravenscar after experienced walkers got into difficulties in the heat on the Cleveland Way
A couple walking with their two dogs had called 999 to say the woman had become significantly unwell. They suspected she was suffering from heat exhaustion and dehydration.
The woman was found laying in limited shade but she was able to describe her condition and her symptoms
After a period of rest, she took on additional fluids and then rescue crews walked her slowly to a waiting team vehicle and then drove the party back to their car
A spokesperson for Scarborough and Ryedale Mountain Rescue said there is NO criticism of the couple. These were experienced and well equipped walkers carrying what they believe to be sufficient food and fluids for both them and their dogs.
Unknown to them, the cafe they planned to take a break at was closed through staff illness. They also called for help at the right time and took all the right actions.
One York café will be closed today (Monday).
The Cat’s Whiskers cat café on Goodramgate is shutting to keep its furry residents as comfortable as possible as temperatures rise.
Here’s what they said: “Whilst we will still be on site keeping the kitties as cool and comfortable as possible, we will not be open to customers.
“We apologise for any disappointment or inconvenience caused, but feel this is the right decision for the well being of our cats and our staff.
“As always we are closed on Tuesday so we will re-open on Wednesday 20th July.
“Keep cool and safe everyone!”
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue have given this advice over swimming in rivers and lakes during the heatwave alert (and indeed at all other times)
“We won’t be telling you not to go into the water, that is completely your decision, but we do want you to consider a couple of things before you do.” Says Group Manager Bob Hoskins.
Alcohol
“Many people enjoy a drink when the weather is warm, but even just one drink can impair your judgement, even if you don’t feel drunk.
“Please don’t enter the water if you have had a drink”
Peer pressure
“Don’t encourage others to jump into the water – you don’t know their swimming ability and you certainly don’t know potential dangers underneath the water.
“When arriving at your chosen spot, have a look around for life saving equipment – we hope you don’t need to use it, but if you do, every second will count.
“Know who to call in the event of an emergency and don’t delay in doing so – remember it is always 999, and if you are by the coast, it is the Coastguard and if you are inland, it is us.
“Download and know how to use What3Words – this is a fantastic app which will help us find you in the event of an emergency… you could even make a note of your location’s three words when you arrive, just in case.
“Don’t enter the water to attempt a rescue – waters have hidden dangers which we spend hours training to deal with, leave this to us.”
The YO1 Beach Club & Roller Rink is closed today and tomorrow – 18 and 19 July.
This popular outdoor attraction is based at York Designer Outlet all summer, with a roller skating rink, sandy beach, vintage carousel and café.
It has announced: “Due to the forecasted extreme heat warning, we have taken the decision to close The YO1 Beach Club & Roller Rink on Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th July for the safety of both our visitors and staff.
“We will be contacting anyone who has purchased tickets for those two days.
“We will be open again on Wednesday 20th so hope to see you then!”
You can find out more about the YO1 Beach Club on its website.
There’s lots of disruption on the railways caused by the extreme temperatures.
Here are the latest updates from our area this morning (Monday).
LNER
Trains running at reduced speed today and no services south of York/Selby to London tomorrow.
HULL TRAINS
No services to London from Selby and Howden today. One return service is running but it’s diverted between Brough and Doncaster.
GRAND CENTRAL
Very limited service from Northallerton Thirsk and York to London. Check before you set off for the station.
NORTHERN
Speed restrictions and short notice changes to timetable. The line between Scarborough and Hull is currently blocked due to the severe weather.
TRANSPENNINE EXPRESS
Hull – Manchester Piccadilly via Selby and Redcar Central – Manchester Airport via Thirsk will not run over the next two days.
CROSSCOUNTRY
Only travel if your journey is essential.
The Great Ryedale Maze has joined York Maze in announcing it will not open during the period covered by the red warning for record temperatures this week.
A spokesperson said: “Due to the forecasted extreme weather the Great Ryedale Maze will be closed on Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th July, to ensure the safety and well-being of our staff and our customers.
“The event will plan to re-open as usual on Wednesday 20th July
“Any ticket holders will be contacted directly by the event organisers.”
Earlier, the York Maze revealed it was closing for today and tomorrow.
So after what seems like a long wait, the heatwave is due to arrive in York today and tomorrow.
The red warning for extreme heat from the Met Office is now in force, covering York, Tadcaster, Selby and Sherburn in Elmet. It runs until 11.59pm tomorrow (Tuesday).
According to the Met Office, York will reach 34ºC by 4pm today; the BBC predicts 35ºC by 5pm.
Tomorrow (Tuesday) the Met Office suggests a top temperature of 39ºC and the BBC 40ºC.
After that things get cooler and stormier, with Wednesday down to 22ºC with thundery showers forecast.
