Brits are being urged to look after wildlife throughout the heatwave. The Met Office threshold for a heatwave has been met today (July 28) and will remain in place until Thursday (July 30). Members of the public have been advised to leave out bowls of water for wildlife, which can die of thirst during warmer periods.
The Met Office outlines that a heatwave is “when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold. The threshold varies by UK county; see the UK temperature threshold map below.”
The RSPCA has previously advised that wildlife will need to be looked after over the next three days. A post to their Facebook page reads: “As temperatures rise, wildlife can struggle to find the water they need to survive. Without access to safe water sources, they can quickly become dehydrated.
“Leaving out fresh water is a simple but powerful way to support wildlife during hot weather. Place shallow bowls on the ground for hedgehogs and other mammals, and deeper containers in elevated spots for birds. “A few moments of kindness could make all the difference.”
Temperatures in England and Wales may rise to between 25-32C over the next few days. Wednesday is likely to see the peak of these heats, with readings of 30-35C across the Midlands, southern and eastern England.
Members of the public who had previously left out bowls of water for wildlife have since shared the benefits of doing so. One person wrote: “Bird baths are vital for this heat. Help the bird life and wildlife too. Also drink plenty of water aswell.”
Another added: “I leave water out. 10 minutes later it’s empty, after the starlings and pigeons have finished their baths!” Temperatures this week could rise to the mid-30s in parts of the country.
No warnings have been put in place by the Met Office for this period of warmer weather though a heatwave threshold has been reached.