People across the UK are bracing for a period of extreme heat, with temperatures potentially rising to highs never witnessed before on these shores.
A red warning for extreme heat will be in place for large parts of England covering London, Manchester, and York. Temperatures could even reach 40C (104F).
The hot weather is already causing all sorts of challenges to daily life – but there are a number of, on the face of it, unusual things happening across the UK to mitigate against harmful effects.
1, Gritters in summer: Instead of salt, gritters in the summer are used to deposit sand or stone dust on roads which may be at higher risk of melting in extreme heat, acting as a sponge to soak up excess bitumen.
2, Bridge wrapped in foil: have you ever seen a bridge wrapped in the material? Silver insulation foil has been placed over the chains on Hammersmith Bridge in London to reflect the sun and stop it overheating.
3, Schools across the country have relaxed their uniform policy, allowing children to wear their PE kits to help keep them cool.
4, Animals and ice lollies: Zoos, wildlife parks, and sanctuaries up and down the country have measures in place to make sure their animals keep hydrated.
I – Word Understanding
Bracing – preparing for a difficult situation
Mitigate – to make less severe or painful
Gritters – (UK) a snow removal vehicle
Bitumen – asphalt (or tar) used for making roads
II – Have Your Say
1, How do you imagine your country would be if the temperature reaches 40C? What would you do to survive such heat?
2, Having 4 seasons in a year, what “seasonal” uniform policies are implemented at schools and offices in your country?
3. How are animals cared for in the zoos around you in summer?
892 UK heatwave: The unusual things happening because of the heat
