Amber health alerts issued for UK as 34°C heatwave sparks 'danger to life' warning
The scorching hot temperatures have sparked an alert
The amber level signifies potential life-threatening conditions
(Image: UKHSA )
Amber health warnings have swept across parts of the UK, with the public being alerted about the health dangers associated with the heatwave. Weather advisories have escalated from yellow to amber in extensive regions on Friday morning as the mercury is predicted to climb to 34°C in some parts over the weekend.
The amber level signifies potential life-threatening conditions for some people, as clarified by the UK Health Security Agency. This particular alert is expected to stay in effect for several counties until 9am Monday.
The UKHSA has issued this amber warning for areas including the east and west Midlands, London, the east of England, and both the south east and south west.
The significance of an amber alert lies in its impact; it indicates severe effects on health and social care systems caused by extreme heat, which could lead to increased mortality among those aged over 65 or suffering from chronic health issues, reports the Mirror.
Moreover, the sweltering heat could disrupt healthcare services and heighten electricity demand. A yellow weather condition remains for the north of England.
Wales doesn't use an alert system, but many of those counties are on the Welsh border.
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As the week's intense heat and brutal heatwave continue to afflict millions, water restrictions have been implemented in some parts, affecting scores of residents. South East Water has announced it will initiate a hosepipe ban starting July 18.
The company has emphasised having "been left with no choice" but to introduce the restriction as a means to "protect supplies".
This development follows the recent introduction of hosepipe bans in other parts of the country. The ban, imposed by Yorkshire Water, took effect today, impacting over 5.7 million households in Yorkshire, Derbyshire, and North Lincolnshire.
As temperatures are set to climb this weekend, it's not just humans who need to take precautions - pet owners have been advised to consider the impact of the heat on their dogs. Before taking their dogs for a walk, owners have been urged to perform a simple five-second test to check if the ground is too hot for their pets' paws.
The Met Office advises: "If it feels too hot for you, it's too hot for your dog's paws."
If the test is too hot to handle for five seconds, it's a clear indication that the surface is unsuitable for dogs, and the walk should be postponed.
The Met Office also warned that darker surfaces, such as tarmac, can become hotter than lighter-coloured stones found in urban areas.
Prolonged exposure to the summer sun's UV rays poses serious health risks to many dogs, especially older pets, flat-faced breeds, and those with pre-existing conditions like heart or lung diseases.
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