Freeview viewers could face signal disruption due to UK heatwave

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief | 16 July 2022

The impending heatwave sweeping across the UK could affect reception of Freeview channels, the platform warns.

Freeview has warned viewers that their reception could be affected this weekend as a heatwave sweeps across the UK.

The country's record temperature of 38.7 degrees - set in Cambridge in 2019 - is almost certain to be eclipsed in the coming days as the thermometer is predicted to go as high as 41 degrees in the capital on Tuesday.

The resultant high pressure could interfere with terrestrial signals used to transmit Freeview channels in certain parts of the UK between Friday and Tuesday.

A Freeview statement said: "You are advised not to retune your TV during this time - reception will be restored once the high pressure passes.

"If you have an internet-connected Freeview Play TV, or one that has the players available to view, you will still be able to watch live and on-demand content from the likes of BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All4 or My5."

The Met Office has issued an unprecedented 'red extreme heat level warning' extending into next week - and has advised people to avoid lengthy sun exposure and drink more water than usual.

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