With Peterborough in the grip of a heatwave, the city’s normally green open spaces are beginning to also feel the heat.

Peterborough has level 4 red warning in place for today and the exceptionally hot temperatures mean that overnight temperatures may not fall below 20 Celsius in some locations, especially cities and larger towns.

Cambridge currently holds the UK’s record high temperature of 38.7 Celsius – and there is a reasonable chance this will be beaten next week, with a risk of temperatures reaching an unprecedented 40 Celsius.

The Red alert has been issued as there is a risk to health from such high temperatures, not limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat.


Peterborough Matters: Open Spaces turn brown in the heat, Stanground Park, Peterborough Picture by Terry Harris.Open Spaces turn brown in the heat, Stanground Park, Peterborough Picture by Terry Harris. (Image: Terry Harris - Commissioned by The Sun Online)

Peterborough Matters: Open Spaces turn brown in the heat, The Embankment, Peterborough Wednesday 13 July 2022. Picture by Terry Harris.Open Spaces turn brown in the heat, The Embankment, Peterborough Wednesday 13 July 2022. Picture by Terry Harris. (Image: Terry Harris -)


Peterborough Matters: Open Spaces turn brown in the heat, The Embankment, PeterboroughOpen Spaces turn brown in the heat, The Embankment, Peterborough (Image: Terry Harris - Commissioned by The Sun Online)

Peterborough Matters: Open Spaces turn brown in the heat, Central Park, PeterboroughOpen Spaces turn brown in the heat, Central Park, Peterborough (Image: Terry Harris)

Peterborough City Council’s Director for Public Health, Jyoti Atri, said: “We’re urging people across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough for prepare for the extreme heat.

"Temperatures could be excessive and could pose a danger to health. Please follow guidelines on how to beat the heat, including keeping yourself hydrated and to find shade where possible when UV rays are strongest, between 11am and 3pm.

Peterborough Matters: Open Spaces turn brown in the heat, Itter Park, PeterboroughOpen Spaces turn brown in the heat, Itter Park, Peterborough (Image: Terry Harris - Commissioned by The Sun Online)

Peterborough Matters: Open Spaces turn brown in the heat, Paston Fields, Peterborough Wednesday 13 July 2022. Picture by Terry Harris.Open Spaces turn brown in the heat, Paston Fields, Peterborough Wednesday 13 July 2022. Picture by Terry Harris. (Image: Terry Harris - Commissioned by The Sun Online)


“People are asked to look out for others, especially the elderly, babies and young children. Those with heart, respiratory and serious health problems are more at risk and the heat can make these conditions worse.

Peterborough Matters: Open Spaces turn brown in the heat, Nene Park, PeterboroughOpen Spaces turn brown in the heat, Nene Park, Peterborough (Image: Terry Harris - Commissioned by The Sun Online)

Peterborough Matters: Open Spaces turn brown in the heat, Nene Park, PeterboroughOpen Spaces turn brown in the heat, Nene Park, Peterborough (Image: Terry Harris)

Peterborough Matters: Open Spaces turn brown in the heat, Nene Park, PeterboroughOpen Spaces turn brown in the heat, Nene Park, Peterborough (Image: Terry Harris - Commissioned by The Sun Online)


“Babies and young children are also especially at risk, particularly when they are in pushchairs or car seats.”