What a difference a year makes.

This time last year, the Harrogate district was baking in record temperatures approaching 40C.

Last year’s hot weather, which came amid warnings about the impact of extreme heat, saw several schools close for the day.

Some businesses shut their doors, while others only opened for a few hours. Bin collections started early and were called off as the heat increased.

Dog owners and parents of small children were also out and about earlier than usual, trying to avoid the peak temperatures.

Dog walkers were out early before it got too hot

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service was among many around the UK to declare a major incident because of the level of demand it was facing. Harrogate and District Foundation Trust also said its services were under higher than usual pressure thanks to the weather.

However, the trust was also offering a more indulgent way for patients on its wards to keep cool – it handed out ice creams and lollies during the day.

Care homes were also ensuring elderly and vulnerable residents kept cool and hydrated. Vida Healthcare‘s chefs made jelly sweets, each containing 20ml of water, to help.

Today, however, the forecast is for top temperatures of no more than half that figure, with sunshine and showers through the day. The forecast for the coming fortnight remains similar, after heavy rain and thunder storms hit the district this month.

Heavy showers at last week’s Great Yorkshire Show

Meanwhile, Europe is experiencing an extended heatwave and hitting highs in the mid-40s every day.

The extreme weather is said to be caused by climate change, with experts predicting we will face more high temperatures in future.

Mike Kendon from the Met Office said:

“While the UK has always had periods of warm weather, what climate change does is increase the frequency and intensity of these warm weather events, increasing the likelihood of high temperature records being broken, like we saw for 2022’s annual temperature for the UK.

“It is particularly telling that of the 12 months of the year, for UK average maximum temperature the records for the warmest months include 2019 (February), 2018 (May), 2015 (December), 2012 (March), 2011 (April), 2011 (November), 2006 (July) and now 2023 (June).

“Statistics such as this clearly tell us of the changing nature of the UK’s climate and how it is particularly affecting extremes.”

Read more:

• Bystanders smash car window to rescue four dogs in Harrogate
• Harrogate hospital records increase in heat-related illnesses

Temperatures are set to soar close to 30 degrees in the next few days — but today’s extreme heat warning does not include the Harrogate district.

The Met Office has issued a four-day amber extreme heat warning for much of southern and central England from Thursday.

The warning, which predicts temperatures of up to 35C, extends north as far as Leeds.

Although the Harrogate district is not included, it is still set to be very warm for the rest of the week.

The Met office is forecasting temperatures of 29 degrees centigrade in Boroughbridge tomorrow, with the rest of the district a degree or two cooler.

Temperatures are not expected to fall until Monday to Tuesday next week when there could be thunderstorms.

Many farmers are praying for rain.

Yorkshire Water said today average stocks in its reservoirs were 51% last week, which is around 20% less than usual for this time of year.

https://twitter.com/metoffice/status/1556941086316236800

Read more:

• Image gallery: 72 hours of wild weather in Harrogate district
• Harrogate climate change scientist warns of more extreme heatwaves

Harrogate District Hospital recorded an increase in heat-related illnesses during this week’s record-breaking temperatures as it also warned of extra pressures from a further rise in covid patients.

The hospital saw a 10% increase in visitors with conditions such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke, while covid patient numbers have tripled to 33 since the end of June.

Dr Matt Shepherd, deputy chief operating officer at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, said demand on services was “higher than we would typically expect” for summer and that there is “no doubt” much of this was due to the pandemic.

He added: 

“Extreme weather, such as heatwaves, also adds additional pressure on hospital services.

“We need to ensure that the people in our care and our staff are not unduly affected by increasing temperatures and we have severe weather plans in place to address any issues.

“Waiting times to be seen during these times can also be longer than usual due to demand.”

Temperatures are easing today after approaching 40 degrees in the district yesterday when North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service declared a ‘major incident’ on the hottest day ever recorded in the county. It said today it had ‘stood down’ this status.

Gosh it was a hot one yesterday! ☀️ As you know we, like most other fire services around the country, declared a major incident due to the level of demand. The good news is we have now stood down this status and have returned to expected levels of demand.

— North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (@NorthYorksFire) July 20, 2022

As well as causing a surge in demand for emergency services, the heatwave also led to cancellations for train services and forced some schools to shut.

The forecast for today is still warm, but cooler on Thursday and Friday with highs of 19C in Harrogate.

Covid pressures

Covid infections and hospital admissions have been creeping up since the end of spring and after the emergence of the BA.4 and BA.5 sub-variants of Omicron.

Dr Shepherd said while most patients are not falling seriously ill with the virus, it was still causing pressure for the hospital which is battling long backlogs.

He said: 

“Since we emerged from lockdown, our priority has been to reduce the backlog for operations and treatment.

“The increased number of planned operations being performed has added to the pressures, but it has meant we have been able to reduce our waiting lists and no longer have any patients who have been waiting over two years for treatment.”

Read more:

• Positive covid patients at Harrogate hospital doubles in three weeks
• Yorkshire Ambulance Service declares ‘critical incident’ status

The Harrogate district’s weekly infection rate has been climbing steadily over the last few months and currently stands at 288 cases per 100,000 people.

The latest figure is up from 52 in May, but well below the previous peak of 1,007 in March.

The increase comes as the government has announced that everyone aged 50 and over will be offered a booster vaccine this autumn to top up their immunity.

Younger people at high risk from covid, as well as health and social care staff, will also get the booster.

Dr Shepherd added: 

“Covid vaccinations have been extremely successful in reducing the severity of the virus, however, the highly infectious nature of the new variants is having an impact at our hospital.

“Thankfully, most patients who have tested positive are here for other medical issues or surgical procedures rather than having acute covid symptoms.

“However, in most cases it does mean that their treatment cannot be progressed until they test negative, which increases the time they need to stay in hospital and reduces the number of beds we have available.

“Whilst we are much better prepared at treating covid than we were two years ago, this virus has not gone away and it still has a significant impact on the hospital and is still a threat to people’s health – particularly vulnerable or unvaccinated patients.”

North Yorkshire Police has said it will refer the owner of four dogs who were left inside a baking hot car to the RSCPA.

The Stray Ferret reported yesterday that bystanders at Oak Beck Retail Park off Skipton Road had to smash a Land Rover Discovery window to free the dogs.

They had been trapped for over half an hour without even a window open.

Fortunately, there were vets working at the nearby Vets4Pets, which is inside Pets At Home.

The Labradors were given treatment and after a health check that showed they were OK, were handed back to the owner.

But that might not be the end of the matter. A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson has confirmed that an officer spoke to the male owner and will refer the incident to the RSPCA.

A spokesperson said:

“Members of the public witnessed the dogs being left unattended with the windows up and seemingly without air conditioning for around 30 minutes.

“One of them smashed a window on the vehicle and the dogs were taken into the care of a vet.

“Police spoke to the owner of the dogs and are due to report him to the RSPCA.”

Read more:

• Four dogs rescued from hot car in Harrogate given back to owner
• Bystanders smash car window to rescue four dogs in Harrogate

What powers does the RSPCA have?

Harrogate firefighters dealt with five field fires on the hottest day of the year today.

On a day when North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service declared a major incident due to the number of call-outs, the crew at Harrogate attended three major fires.

At first they were called to a blaze near Forest Lane in Harrogate at about 1pm where an area of woodland measuring 20m x 20m had caught fire. Harrogate fire station put on Facebook:

“We believe a discarded cigarette, or strong sunlight shining through a broken glass bottle may have caused the fire.”

After extinguishing the fire, one of the Harrogate appliances was sent to a standing crop on fire in a field near Marton cum Grafton, between Boroughbridge and Knaresborough.

The fire station said on Facebook:

“Due to the extremely dry conditions the fire caught hold of four fields very quickly. The wind direction kept changing making the condition challenging.

“Fire crews also came to help from Knaresborough fire station, Ripon, Acom, and the water bowser from Tadcaster.

“Crews worked hard in the extreme heat (nearly 40 degrees!) to extinguish the fire using hosereel jets, main branches and beaters.

“Thanks also goes to the farmers for helping out and putting a fire break in the crop.”

While this was going on, the second Harrogate fire engine was called to a field on fire near Northallerton.

Read more:

• Drone captures scale of Ripon field fire
• Fire destroys workshop in Harrogate district

“As you can imagine, the ground is tinder-dry at the moment making it easy for fire to spread quickly.

“So please do be careful if you are out and about. Make sure you discard cigarettes carefully and avoid having barbecues.”

Four dogs rescued from a hot car in Harrogate today are fine and have been handed back to their owner after receiving treatment from a vet.

The Stray Ferret reported today that bystanders at Oak Beck Retail Park off Skipton Road had to smash a car window to free the dogs who were trapped for 40 minutes without even a window open.

Fortunately, there were vets working at the nearby Vets4Pets, which is inside Pets At Home.

A spokesperson for Vets4Pets said the labradors were given treatment and after a health check that showed they were OK, were handed back to the owner. They added:

“Touch wood we got to them in time”.

The article provoked a furious response from Stray Ferret readers on Facebook with many incredulous that the owner would put their pets’ health at risk during today’s sweltering heat.

It is not illegal to leave a dog in a hot car but owners are legally responsible for their pets’ health and welfare.

If a dog becomes ill or dies in a hot car, the owner could be charged with animal cruelty under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. This could lead to a prison sentence and/or a fine.

The Stray Ferret understands a North Yorkshire Police officer attended the scene. We have asked NYP for a statement on the incident but are yet to receive a reply.

PDSA, the vet charity for pets in need, has an article on its website that advises people on what to do if you find a dog in distress inside a car.

Read more:

• LIVE: Thunderstorm warning as Harrogate district sizzles
• Bystanders smash car window to rescue four dogs in Harrogate

The Harrogate district is slowly cooling down from its hottest day ever.

Here’s how the heatwave impacted on life in the district today.

5.39pm – Temperatures start to fall

Temperatures are finally beginning to fall from their afternoon peak. It is forecast to still be 26 degrees at 10pm and not drop below 17 degrees all night. Tomorrow is set to be much milder, with some rain later on, and a maximum temperature of 23 degrees.

4.10pm – Met Office storm warning

A Met Office yellow weather warning is in place in Yorkshire and Humberside from 4pm until 8pm.

The Met Office says:

“Thunderstorms could bring disruption this afternoon from lightning strikes and strong, gusty winds.”

4.06pm – Yorkshire Water reports record water use

Yorkshire Water has said it provided more than 1.56 billion litres of water on Monday – which is around 260 million litres more than usual.

The increase is enough to supply the equivalent of the whole of York and Leeds and is the highest the water company has seen since 2006.

Yorkshire has seen a particularly dry spring and summer, with only 52% of rainfall expected in June actually falling on the region.

Neil Dewis, director of water at the company, said:

“Our reservoirs are still feeling the impact and levels do continue to decrease. As the ground incredibly dry, we would need a few weeks of wet weather to help them return to their usual levels, so it’s really important that people keep taking steps to save water throughout the summer.”

3.38pm – Temperatures touching 40 degrees as peak heat hits

We are now hitting the hottest part of the hottest day. According to local weather stations, which post their details online, most places are at about 38 degrees but Staveley is at 39 degrees. In old money, 39 degrees is 102 degrees Fahrenheit.

2.50pm – Bystanders smash car window to rescue four dogs in Harrogate

Bystanders in Harrogate had to smash a car window today to free four dogs who were trapped for 40 minutes without even a window open.

Ruth Watson and her partner had been shopping at Aldi on Oak Beck Road at around midday when they spotted the labradors who were visibly distressed and barking in the sweltering heat, which has topped 38 degrees today.

Read the full story.

1.25pm – Lunchtime meltdown in Valley Gardens

Harrogate is unusually quiet at lunchtime as most people avoid the approaching hottest part of the day.

Daniella Kerr and Albie Kerr staying cool in Valley Gardens paddling pool.

Staying in the shade

Brollies up to shield from the sun.

12.31pm – Major Tom’s closes for the day

Major Tom’s Social on The Ginnel has succumbed to the heat for the day.

A post on its Facebook page says:

“Hey all, we’re taking the day off today. It’s already pretty warm in here and the kitchen feels like the centre of the earth at the best of the times! Back to normal from tomorrow.”

12.22pm – Free ice cream in Harrogate

A cafe on Beulah Street in Harrogate is offering free ice cream to help shoppers stay cool.

Cafe Lago Di Como posted on Facebook that it was going to place an ice cooler filled with free water bottles outside its cafe today. It added:

“We are also offering for free ice cream all day.”

11.54am – Burst main causing low or no water in HG2

On a day when we are being urged to keep hydrated, this isn’t great news for people in HG2,

#HG2 #RedfearnMews

⚠️ We are currently doing some work on a burst on a main in the area which may be causing low pressure or no water. We aim to get your supplies back to normal as soon as possible. -Tarna pic.twitter.com/AbgWXwZFHt

— Yorkshire Water Help (@YWHelp) July 19, 2022

11.05am – Harrogate chip shops closed for the day

The Wharfe of Harrogate has confirmed it will be closed today.

In a post on its Facebook page, the restaurant said it will be shut due to extreme heat but be open as usual tomorrow.

10.45am – Heatwave impacts on River Nidd

The heat is having an impact on the Harrogate district’s rivers.

Compare and contrast the two pictures from the River Nidd at Birstwith above. Pictured right is the river in February and left is its current level.

10am – 30 degree morning heat in Killinghall

Local weather stations are reporting 30 degree heat in Killinghall at 10am.

Meanwhile, its 29 degrees in Knaresborough and 28 degrees in Ripon.

9.50am – Businesses close during the heat

Some businesses in Harrogate are either closed today or closing early because of the extreme heat.

KD Fruiters, which is based at Harrogate District Hospital, will be closed today as its stall is outside.

Meanwhile, Imagined Things Bookshop, which is based on Montpellier Parade, has asked customers to check its social media in case it makes the decision to close early.

Resurrected Bites has also asked people to keep an eye on its social pages for information on whether its grocery outlets will be open. It has, however, said its Gracious Street cafe will be closed.

9.20am – County council warning over tourist hotspots

North Yorkshire County Council has issued advise over tourist hotpots during the extreme heat.

It has urged people to plan journeys in advance and take water with them.

Popular tourist destinations are expected to be very busy during the hot weather.

If you're planning a trip out please:
– Plan your journey in advance
– Take water with you
– Be kind to others around you
– Park considerately

Get #heatwave advice ⬇️https://t.co/LvFJHsibGi pic.twitter.com/rAYqnilVAs

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) July 19, 2022

8.45am – Yorkshire Water issues reservoir plea

Yorkshire Water has urged people to act responsibly around its reservoirs today as temperatures soar.

It has also asked people not to use the reservoirs to cool off.

https://twitter.com/YorkshireWater/status/1549295368994783233

8.35am – Bin crews out early in Ripon

Harrogate Borough Council’s refuse crews across the district are ensuring that homes are clear of rubbish as temperatures soar. In Ripon, the sack crew who collect black bags left outside thousands of city homes, started two hours early at 5am today in a bid to beat the heat, while maintaining hygiene for householders.

Simon and Danny (pictured) were out in the city this morning.

8.20am – Northern: Do not travel

Northern is urging people not to travel today amid the extreme heat.

Those who have to travel are advised to carry water and find a safe spot in the shade while waiting for their train.

https://twitter.com/northernassist/status/1549287296825966594

8am – Amber weather warning in place

The Met Office has an amber weather warning in place for the Harrogate district until midnight.

7.45am – Dog walkers out early in Ripon to beat the heat

Dozens of early to awake men and women were out before dawn in Ripon today to walk their dogs before the scorching sun makes being outdoors too hot to handle.

Later today, there will be nowhere hotter than Hell Wath’s wide open spaces, so many regular dog walkers wanting to find cool paths to protect the paws of their pets, were up before the dawn and walking in the shade of the nature reserve’s trees and shrubs.

Kathy and her dogs Mile and Max.

Among them was Kathy, with her rescue dogs Mila aged 12 and six-year-old Max, who told the Stray Ferret:

“I wouldn’t normally be here this early, but with the forecast weather, I decided to take the dogs out before the heat arrives to keep them safe.”

Paula with her fox red labrador at Hell Wath.

The same applied to Paula and her Fox Red Labrador, who said:

“This is definitely the best time to come, before the paths get too hot.”

Hell Wath, which is one of the few places in Ripon  where it is safe to let a dog off its lead, has been popular with generations of owners, many of whom bring their pets for morning exercise.

7.23am – Bin collections to start earlier

Harrogate Borough Council has said bin crews will be out earlier this morning due to the soaring temperatures.

It has advised people to put their waste and recycling out early.

⚠️ Due to the expected high temperatures tomorrow (Tuesday) and possibly later in the week, our crews will be starting earlier than normal.

Please can you ensure your waste and recycling is presented the night before your scheduled collection. pic.twitter.com/ST4GQIWDIr

— Harrogate Borough Council (@Harrogatebc) July 18, 2022

7.20am – School closures amid heatwave

Harrogate Grammar School, the largest school in the Harrogate district, is closed today due to the extreme weather.

Hampsthwaite Primary School has also told parents that although the school will be open, if parents are uncomfortable sending their children to school it will not be considered unauthorised absence.

Meanwhile, St Aidan’s Church of England High School has told parents that the school will be open. Those in year 7 to 10 can wear their school PE kit, while sixth form can wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing.

7am – LNER cancellations

No trains will run from Harrogate to London Kings Cross today due to the extreme heat.

LNER has cancelled the direct trains and urged customers not to travel.

https://twitter.com/LNER/status/1548638466656931840?s=20&t=RqCt_XWfE1CyMZlgOOFXLQ

Bystanders in Harrogate had to smash a car window today to free four dogs who were trapped for 40 minutes without even a window open.

Ruth Watson and her partner had been shopping at Aldi on Oak Beck Road at around midday when they spotted the labradors who were visibly distressed and barking in the sweltering heat, which has topped 38 degrees today.

Dogs in hot cars can suffer from potentially fatal heat stroke in as little as 15 minutes.

Ms Watson told the Stray Ferret she went inside B&Q, which is next door to the supermarket, to ask staff to broadcast a message on the tannoy to try and find the owner but there was no response.

A group had congregated around the car with people bringing buckets of water ready to cool them down.

She said:

“It is upsetting. I got a little upset but I was more angry than anything else.”

Quick thinking staff at the DIY store used a hammer to smash open the window and set the animals free.

Read more:

• LIVE: Harrogate district businesses close as temperatures approach 39 degrees
• Harrogate blogger devastated after scammers blackmail her

Fortunately, there were vets working at the nearby Pets At Home who were able to give the animals immediate medical attention. However, one of the dogs had to be carried away and Ms Watson said it looked in poor health.

The owner eventually came out to the car but Ms Watson said “He seemed oblivious like he’d done nothing wrong.”

She added:

“He’s not a responsible dog owner. Questions should be asked if he’s competent enough to have animals”.

Abi Linden was also shopping at the time and spotted the incident take place. She said what she saw was “appalling” and called on the police to take action against the owner.

She said:

“The sheer stupidity in leaving the dogs in this heat without even windows open. It made me so angry”.

A North Yorkshire Police officer was believed to have attended the scene. The Stray Ferret has asked NYP for comment on the incident. We have also asked the vets for an update on the dogs.

Extreme hot weather affected the Harrogate district today. Here’s a look back at today’s heatwave news.

It’s supposed to be even hotter tomorrow — please send details of travel problems/cancellations etc to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

6.49pm – Harrogate Grammar School to close tomorrow

Harrogate Grammar School, the largest school in the Harrogate district, is to close tomorrow due to the extreme weather.

In an email to parents, headteacher Neil Renton said:

“The classrooms seem to be tracking at least 2 to 3 degrees above the external temperature.

“The forecast for tomorrow from 1pm is 36 degrees with this rising to 38 degrees by 2pm. We have found even the temperature today to be an unbearable temperature for children to learn.

“Despite our best efforts to cool the building over the weekend, closing all the blinds, we now have high levels of residual heat in school from a very warm day today.

“Despite giving out free bottles of cold water to the children at lunch, our site team making outdoor spray stations and adjusting uniform expectations, the school has been very uncomfortable.

“The fact that we have a very strong remote learning offer, developed through two lockdowns, means that we can maintain the continuity of provision.

“As a result, we have made the decision to close the school due to the extreme weather conditions forecast.”

Hampsthwaite Primary School has also told parents that although the school will be open, if parents are uncomfortable sending their children to school it will not be considered unauthorised absence.

If you have details of other school closures tomorrow, message us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk

5.25pm – Help a hedgehog during the heatwave

HAPPY (hedgehog appreciation prickly pals Yorkshire), based in Ramsgill, has asked people to leave a bowl of water out for hedgehogs during this week’s heatwave.

5.25pm – Fountains Abbey to open tomorrow – but no guided tours

National Trust-owned Fountains Abbey has said it will open tomorrow but urged people not to bring dogs and to consider coming on Wednesday, when cooler temperatures are forecast.

1/3 Whew! Today was a scorcher and tomorrow is set to be even hotter. Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal will be open tomorrow but we would really recommend visiting on a different day if you can.
The site is very large with steep hills and few shady spaces. Visitors should prepare pic.twitter.com/AmhpXcSMQX

— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) July 18, 2022

2/3 for walking for long periods in the direct sun and bring plenty of water and suncream. Please don't bring dogs with you if you're planning a visit tomorrow.
The weather is due to break on Wednesday so we should be back to normal then. For now, we wont be running

— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) July 18, 2022

3/3/ guided tours and we may have to close some areas early for the welfare of our team.
Stay safe and cool – we'll be posting about ice and snow before you know it!

— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) July 18, 2022

3.45pm – Some bin collections delayed

Harrogate Borough Council has said not all of its scheduled bin collections have been completed today because of the rising temperatures.

It has asked anyone whose collection has been missed to leave their bin out and crews will aim to return when the weather is cooler later this week.

Some collections from today (Monday) are also outstanding as our crews deal with the rising temperatures. Please continue to leave your waste or recycling out as we'll aim to return later in the week.

Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

— Harrogate Borough Council (@Harrogatebc) July 18, 2022

3.15pm – No London trains from Harrogate tomorrow

LNER has confirmed that no trains will be running from Harrogate to London Kings Cross tomorrow.

The company is running a reduced service due to extreme heat.

https://twitter.com/LNER/status/1548638466656931840

2.25pm – Temperatures reach 34 degrees in Knaresborough

The temperature has reached 34 degrees in Knaresborough, according to local weather stations.

Areas in Harrogate are currently at 32 degrees.

2.05pm – New caves keep people cool at How Stean Gorge

Visitors to How Stean Gorge in Nidderdale are keeping cool by using two new caves that the attraction has bought.

The two new caves are Hazel Close Cave, which is about 120 metres long and only accessible via a ladder, although features a walking passage for 37 metres. Oxbow Cave is the second new cave, on the north side of How Stean Gorge and is 25 metres in length.

Tony Liddy, director of How Stean Gorge, said: 

“We’ve transformed the site with our ambitious expansion plans to cater to the huge demand for adventure tourism. Acquiring the caves is an important part of that, as we want to showcase nature’s stunning playground in this unique gorge that has existed for ten thousand years, since the last Ice Age.”

1.05pm Quiet on the Stray in the afternoon sun

It looks like most people are heeding the warnings not to sit out in the sun today, with the Stray looking all but deserted in the high temperatures.

We saw just a few people walking across the grass, and even one runner, but it’s much quieter than usual for this time of day.

Meanwhile, the town centre itself feels quiet, though some hardy shoppers were still out on Cambridge Street – mostly sticking to the shade along the south side.

12.58pm: 34 degrees reported in Burn Bridge

According to local weather stations, Burn Bridge is the current hotspot, with the mercury hitting 34 degrees centigrade.

12.44pm – Umbrellas up as Harrogate hits 30 degrees

It’s a day for brollies… although not for their usual purpose. How are you spending your lunch hour?

11.45am – Harrogate charity offers help during extreme heat

Harrogate Easier Living Project has offered support to those struggling during the hot weather.

The charity is offering people emotional and practical support during the soaring temperatures.

If you, or anyone you know, is struggling with the heat, needs help and doesn't know where to turn, please call HELP on 01423 813090 and we can offer friendly practical & emotional support in #Harrogate #Knaresborough #Ripon and surrounding villages #HeretoHELP @HADCAcharity pic.twitter.com/9M3YJvNm8h

— HELP charity #HereToHELP (@HELP_Harrogate) July 18, 2022

11.30am – Ripon family enjoys the sun

It’s warmer than the Bahamas at the Borrage Green Lane Paddling Pool in Ripon, where mum Paula and her children Oli, two, Ted, six, and 10-year-old Arabella were managing to keep cool with an 11am dip.

11.15am – County council urges people to look out for each other

North Yorkshire County Council has urged people to look out for each other during the extreme heat.

Let's look out for each other during the hot weather.

Please remember to check on family, friends or neighbours who may need help keeping cool.

The heat can affect anyone, but for some it can have serious effects on health.

Get #heatwave advice ⬇️https://t.co/LvFJHsibGi pic.twitter.com/aq0af1CC4V

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) July 18, 2022

10.55am – Knaresborough Town postpones match

Knaresborough Town AFC has postponed its pre-season friendly tomorrow due to the red weather warning.

The club was due to play Campion AFC at Manse Lane tomorrow evening.

https://twitter.com/KnaresboroughFC/status/1548664274280669185

10.50am – Convention centre issues advice

Harrogate Convention Centre has issued advice to those attend this week’s Home and Gift Fair.

The event is set to take place this week during the heatwave.

The convention centre has advised attendees to drink plenty of fluids, bring water with them and to look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated.

https://twitter.com/HgtConventions/status/1547895249137111043?s=20&t=zSOw9DeeoAzafHyGYK5Xbw

10.35am – Boroughbridge care home residents enjoy ice cream amid heatwave

Residents at Boroughbridge Manor care home kept cool over the weekend amid the hot weather with ice cream.

The home timed the treats well for National Ice Cream Day as the Met Office issued a red warning for extreme heat.

Ann, a resident said:

“I absolutely love ice cream. There really isn’t anything nicer on a hot summer’s day. We have had loads to sample today with all kinds of different sprinkles and sauces. They have all been truly delicious.”

9.55am – Yorkshire Ambulance Service urges people to take responsibility for themselves during extreme heat

Yorkshire Ambulance Service has issued advice amid the hot weather.

The service is asking people to take responsibility for themselves so ambulance crews can respond to the seriously ill across the region during the heatwave.

Dr Steven Dykes, Executive Medical Director at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said:

“This advice is common sense but, by reminding everyone, we hope that it will help to reduce the number of people who suffer any ill-effects from the hot weather.

“We will always respond to anyone needing time-critical medical assistance, but we ask that people think carefully before dialling 999 and only call for an ambulance in an emergency when it is obvious that you or another person has a serious or life-threatening illness or injury.

“People suffering from minor illnesses and injuries should consider more appropriate services, such as visiting their local pharmacist or GP, attending a walk-in-centre or minor injuries unit or calling NHS 111.”

9.40am – Direct trains to London cancelled

Direct trains from Harrogate to London Kings Cross have been cancelled due to the extreme heat.

LNER is running a reduced timetable amid the weather warning.

Network Rail is advising that passengers only travel if necessary both today and tomorrow.

9.25am – Advice for drivers in extreme heat

If you’re planning on driving today, National Highways has issued advice for precautions to take before getting on the road.

It includes taking a bottle of water in your car, leaving plenty of time for your journey and checking your vehicle before you leave.

You can read the advice here.

9.15am – Spa Croquet Club postpones match

Spa Croquet Club, which plays at Studley Royal Cricket Club, has postponed its match which was due to be played today.

The Federation match has been postponed to Monday, July 25.

The friendly against Ben Rhydding due to be played today has also been postponed, but a new date has yet to be agreed.

9.10am – Dog walkers up early in Harrogate

Some dog walkers were up early to beat the rising temperatures this morning.

The heat is expected to reach highs of 34 degrees in Harrogate today.

9am – Hospitals, schools and care homes braced for hot weather

Schools, care homes and public services across the Harrogate district are putting in place measures to protect vulnerable people from the extreme temperatures expected today and tomorrow.

With the Met Office forecasting highs of 38C and red warnings in place, there is a risk to health, especially for the elderly, very young and people with existing medical condition.

You can read more on how schools, hospitals and care homes are preparing here.

8.50am – Ripon Cathedral School reschedules Shrek performance

With temperatures rising, Ripon Cathedral Primary on Priest Lane has organised for a portable air conditioning unit to be put in place in the school hall and planned performances of the Legend of Shrek by key stage 2 pupils, to be re-scheduled from tomorrow, to Wednesday and Thursday.

In a message to parents and carers, head teacher Steven Holmes said he had taken the difficult decision to move the sold-out performances until later in the week.

He said:

“We are concerned about the potential temperatures in the hall for the Tuesday performances of Shrek with over 200 bodies in one space.

“As a school we have invested in LED lighting to reduce heat and have organised for a portable air conditioning unit.”

Tickets bought for tomorrow’s performances will be automatically transferred.

8.40am – Amber weather warning

The Met Office has an amber weather warning of extreme heat for the Harrogate today and tomorrow.

The warning means that “population-wide adverse health effects are likely to be experienced, not limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat, leading to potential serious illness or danger to life.”

It also means that “substantial changes” in working practices and daily routines are likely to be required.

8.30am – Fountains Abbey makes changes amid hot weather

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal at Ripon has made changes amid the hot weather.

Its Studley refreshment kiosk will be closing at midday and guided tours of the abbey and water gardens will not be taking place.

8am – Northern: Only travel if necessary

Northern has urged passengers to only travel if necessary during the extreme heat.

It has also warned that its services could be cancelled at short notice amid the hot weather.

https://twitter.com/northernassist/status/1548918144286175234

Harrogate climate scientist Professor Piers Forster has warned extreme heatwaves could be common in just 10 years due to climate change.

Prof Forster, who has lived in the town since 2005, was one of the main authors of last year’s “code red for humanity” climate change report published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change on behalf of the United Nations.

The report was discussed around the globe and warned of climate catastrophe unless action is taken now.

Prof Forster has spent his career analysing the effects of climate change and is a director of the Priestley International Centre for Climate and professor of physical climate change at the University of Leeds.

The weather in Harrogate is set to peak at 38 degrees tomorrow, breaking all-time records. Prof Forster told the Stray Ferret why we are currently experiencing this extreme weather:

“The heatwave comes from a combination of a blast of hot air from Europe blowing over very dry soil. Global warming plays a big part in both these factors. Wild fires are raging across southern Europe with temperatures approaching 50 degrees centigrade in parts of Portugal.

“Climate change is warming the land and ocean, and has brought extended drought conditions to much of Europe. This means that heatwaves are over two degree more intense than they would otherwise be and are occurring much more often.  We have some of the longest records in the UK, we can use these to estimate how likely such as heatwave is.”

Read more:

• Green Shoots: Keeping Harrogate district trees healthy
• Green Shoots: Why Harrogate should be at the vanguard of tackling climate change

Many climate change skeptics have pointed to the UK heatwave of 1976, when temperatures peaked at 35.9 degrees during one day in Cheltenham. But this was five degrees lower than what is forecast for parts of England tomorrow.

Prof Forster said the weather this week is particularly unusual but will become more common unless countries around the world take action to reach net zero.

He added:

“One hundred years ago a heatwave such as this would have occurred once every 300 years, now it’s every 15 years. In a decade or so this will be a typical summer. The science is clear that these heatwaves will worsen until the UK and every other country In the world has reached net zero emissions: all sectors of every economy will need to decarbonise. 

“Given the current crises in the world this seems like a tall ask but there is no other way. Wheat dies if it experiences temperatures of 34C or more at the time of flowering  – this is not a world we want our children growing up in.”

Grim future ‘not a given’

Today, trains from Harrogate to London have been cancelled, Knaresborough Town FC has called off a match and schools, care homes and businesses are putting measures in place to protect vulnerable people from the extreme heat.

Prof Forster said we will have to learn to adapt to more heatwaves but a “grim future” is not guaranteed if policymakers work to urgently cut emissions.

He added:

“I don’t think people realise how much the UK’s climate will change over the next two decades: we are going to have to adapt our behaviour, homes, work places, hospitals, schools, roads and trains to such hot days. Expect wild fires and spending days in doors to avoid bad air quality. 

“Our research at the University of Leeds shows that this grim future is not a given: cutting emissions urgently and strongly now can slow the rate of warming, giving societies time to adapt. We need to take this heatwave seriously: adjust your day accordingly, stay safe and hydrated.”