Summer heatwave takes its toll on north Essex

The UK has been sweltering in 30 degree heat for the first time since July 2013 with Wales reaching 32C last week.

But after a field fire erupted from an unattended bonfire in Thorrington, the fire service has warned everyone about the dangers of fires in hot, dry weather.

Lee Lucas, head of community safety, said: “With temperatures soaring and dry conditions continuing, there is an increased risk of fires.

“These fires can take hold at great speed and have a devastating effect.

“Fire crews across Essex have attended many fires due to these hot conditions.

“If you’re thinking of having a bonfire, please reconsider and wait until the current weather conditions have subsided.”

Field fire, off Stanley Road, Clacton, in 2016

It took crews from Colchester and Brightlingsea more than half an hour to extinguish the field fire, measuring 50 metres by 50 metres.

Another followed just hours later in a grassy area near Sussex Road and Sheepen Road in Colchester.

There were fears the 100 metres by 30 metre patch would reignite.

Network Rail has deployed extra teams across the region with staff checking the tracks regularly to prevent issues relating to extreme heat.

The firm has assured passengers there are no plans to alter any services this week.

A spokesman for Greater Anglia said: “Rails in the UK are stressed to 27 degrees, the UK mean summer rail temperature.

“The rail can withstand some degree of change in temperature either side of this.

“However, when the air temperature is 30 degrees, the temperature on the rail can actually be up to 20 degrees higher, exceeding the maximum temperature our rails are designed to cope with."

The solution is not as easy as replacing all the UK's rails. 

“The problem is that if UK rails were stressed to the same degree as those in very hot countries, there would be the risk of rails fracturing when the rails contract as the temperature drops in winter,” the spokesman explained.

“However, one solution helping to keep the track cool is to paint it white.

“Network Rail paints rails white at critical points so they absorb less heat, which reduces expansion.”

Water will be handed out to rail customers caught up in any disruption and new water fountains are being installed at some stations.

Passengers can also claim a free refillable water bottle, courtesy of Greater Anglia.

Motorists are bearing the brunt of the scorching weather too.

Breakdown cover provider Green Flag predicts the number of breakdowns will increase by ten per cent to 134,855 over the summer.

Meanwhile last weekend, it anticipated 86,000 breakdowns alone.

There is also a possibility of seeing gritting machines - usually used during snowy or icy weather - out and about.

A spokesman for Essex County Council said: “Gritters can be used to lay a fine sandy dust on areas where the bitumen - the oily tar in the road surface - starts to melt and separate due to extreme heat.

“We have inspectors out on our roads every week day to report any problems and action is taken where needed.”

Essex Weather Centre says to expect mostly dry, sunny and warm weather.

Humidity will soar although brisk north-easterly winds are predicted.