READING and Slough are among 30 areas in the UK most at risk to suffering from a heatwave, data reveals.

Birmingham was the local authority most at risk of being vulnerable to extreme temperatures, according to new research by Manchester University and environmnet campaigners Friends of the Earth (FoE).

The research identified high-risk neighbourhoods for heat and then assessed more than 40 factors that would make the communities there vulnerable.

READ MORE: Hour by hour forecast for Berkshire ahead of extreme heatwave

Reading and Slough both appeared in the top 30 list, as well as Bristol, Southampton, Peterborough and Luton.

Factors such as neighbourhoods with a high proportion of elderly people or toddlers are therefore more vulnerable, as well as neighbourhoods which are less green tend to be hotter, and have fewer green spaces in which to shelter.

The research also suggests that even if global warming is limited to 1.5°C, more than 3,000 of the most vulnerable neighbourhoods – totalling more than six million people – will be exposed to ‘very hot weather’ of 27.5°C for five or more days during the summer months.

Mike Childs, head of research at Friends of the Earth, said: “Extreme heatwaves and health alerts like we’re seeing this week, will become much more frequent and severe due to climate change. To prevent the most dangerous scenarios becoming a reality, all countries, including the UK, must make greater efforts to prevent runaway climate breakdown.

ALSO READ: Schools set to close in Berkshire due to the heatwave

“Suggestions by some politicians that the UK should dial back on climate goals are short-sighted and reckless. People on the frontlines of the climate crisis in the UK and overseas are already being hit by its impacts, despite being the least responsible. We need governments to double-down on cutting emissions and providing funding for climate adaptation programmes, such as planting street trees.”

Top 30 areas in England at highest risk

 

  1. Birmingham 210
  2. Newham 154
  3. Tower Hamlets 117
  4. Hackney 111
  5. Nottingham 101
  6. Southwark 91
  7. Leicester 85
  8. Enfield 81
  9. Ealing 79
  10. Haringey 79
  11. Waltham Forest 75
  12. Lambeth 72
  13. Brent 71
  14. Coventry 69
  15. Bristol, City of 68
  16. Peterborough 61
  17. Croydon 60
  18. Barking and Dagenham 59
  19. Lewisham 57
  20. Islington 47
  21. Southampton 46
  22. Luton 45
  23. Greenwich 44
  24. West Northamptonshire 44
  25. Hounslow 41
  26. Wandsworth 38
  27. Westminster 34
  28. Slough 32
  29. Reading 29
  30. Camden 28