Roundup: Most of England subject to health alert as temperatures soar

The Star

5 days ago

LONDON, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Large parts of England are under health alerts as a prolonged heatwave continues to grip Britain.
On Monday, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) extended its amber heat-health alert to more regions, with temperatures peaking at 33 degrees Celsius -- making it hotter than holiday destinations such as Mexico, Barbados, and Jamaica.
According to the Met Office, the hot weather is forecast to persist through Monday and Tuesday, with the possibility of temperatures reaching up to 34 or even 35 degrees Celsius in some central and eastern regions.
If this occurs, it would mark only the fourth time since the 1930s that June temperatures have exceeded 34 degrees Celsius in Britain, though the all-time June record of 35.6 degrees Celsius set in 1976 is not expected to be broken.
"Temperatures are rising further today with low 30 Celsius widely across England," said Paul Gundersen, Met Office chief meteorologist. "These high temperatures and humid conditions will be quite uncomfortable for those working outside as well as people leaving Glastonbury and attending the start of Wimbledon and other outdoor events."
Sunday reached 31 degrees Celsius in parts of southeast England, but Tuesday will be even hotter, with highs of 35 degrees Celsius in London and the south east, according to the Met Office.
Under the Weather-Health Alert system, an amber alert means that weather impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service.
The alert, which has been in effect since Friday, covers large parts of England, and will remain in place until Tuesday. The UKHSA warns that these conditions are likely to impact health and social care services, with increased risks for older adults and those with pre-existing health conditions, such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Meanwhile, searing temperatures have been recorded across Europe. Andalucia in southern Spain saw a temperature of 46 degrees Celsius on Saturday, while 46.6 degrees Celsius was recorded in the town of Mora in central Portugal on Sunday.
Heatwaves and extreme temperatures are becoming more common and deadly due to climate change, experts warn.
"We're likely to see more heat-related deaths and broader impacts -- on water supply, transport, and even building usability," said Shona Koren Paterson, director of Global Lives Research Centre at Brunel University of London. She added that mental health effects, such as worsening anxiety and depression, are often overlooked.
Akshay Deoras, a research scientist at the University of Reading, said heat domes -- high-pressure systems causing extreme heat -- are being intensified by global warming. "The Earth is warmer than before, making heatwaves more frequent and severe whenever heat domes form," he said.