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Amber heat health alert to come into force as 30C temperatures forecast
Amber heat health alert to come into force as 30C temperatures forecast

The Independent

timea day ago

  • Climate
  • The Independent

Amber heat health alert to come into force as 30C temperatures forecast

The second amber heat health alert in two weeks is set to come into force on Friday, as temperatures are again set to pass 30C this weekend. The alert, which covers London, the East Midlands, South East, South West and East of England, starts at midday on Friday and will last until 6pm on Tuesday. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) also issued a yellow alert for Yorkshire and Humber and the West Midlands for the same time period, with the agency warning of significant impacts across health and social care services. It comes as temperatures could reach 28C on Friday in central and southern England, before rising to 30C on Saturday, then a potential 31C on Sunday, before peaking between 32C and 34C on Monday, the Met Office said. An amber alert was previously issued for all regions in England on June 19, the first time it had been used since September 2023. On the same day, temperatures reached 32.2C in Kew, west London, before heatwaves were declared across England and Wales. An official heatwave is recorded when areas reach a certain temperature for three consecutive days, with thresholds varying from 25C to 28C in different parts of the UK. Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at the UKHSA, said: 'We have already seen a spell of hot weather last week and temperatures are once again set to increase in the coming days, with central, southern and eastern areas of the country likely to see the biggest impacts. 'Our findings show that heat, especially at the sort of temperatures we are likely to see at the beginning of next week, can result in serious health outcomes across the population, especially for older adults or those with pre-existing health conditions. 'It is, therefore, important to check on friends, family and neighbours who are more vulnerable and to take sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.' Met Office meteorologist Craig Snell said: 'From Friday onwards we're starting to once again see the heat build across England and Wales. 'Scotland and Northern Ireland are going to have a slightly different few days, some parts of western Scotland could see some heavy rain, especially on Friday, and we could potentially see some further rain towards the end of the weekend. 'On Friday, we're likely to see temperatures potentially peak around 27C or 28C in central and southern parts of England, it's going to feel quite humid. 'On Saturday, the hottest weather will be in the south east, potentially 30C. 'On Sunday, we're most likely to see somewhere around 30C or 31C. 'It looks like the peak of the hot spell will be Monday, at the moment it's looking between 32C and 34C, there's a chance it'll be hotter than the previous (heatwave). 'Tuesday, some fresher air is going to spread across the country, but we're potentially likely to see between 31C and 33C.' Some parts of central and southern England might meet the heatwave criteria by Monday, Mr Snell added. As of Monday, some potential thunderstorms could move in, but it is too early to say where they might be, he said. Temperatures are likely to go back down to the mid-20s after Tuesday, which is still above average for the time of year, the forecaster said.

Amber heat health alert issued with temperatures set to reach 30C over weekend
Amber heat health alert issued with temperatures set to reach 30C over weekend

The Independent

time2 days ago

  • Climate
  • The Independent

Amber heat health alert issued with temperatures set to reach 30C over weekend

A second amber heat health alert has been issued in as many weeks, with temperatures again set to pass 30C over the weekend. The alert, which covers London, the East Midlands, South East, South West and East of England, starts at midday on Friday and will last until 6pm on Tuesday. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) also issued a yellow alert for Yorkshire and Humber and the West Midlands for the same time period, with the agency warning of significant impacts across health and social care services. It comes as unsettled conditions on Thursday and Friday will still see temperatures steadily rise, with highs potentially reaching 28C in the south and east by Friday. Temperatures are expected to peak on Monday when much of the country will see temperatures in the early to mid-30s, the UKHSA said. An amber alert was previously issued for all regions in England on June 19, the first time it had been used since September 2023. On the same day the UK recorded its warmest day of the year so far, with temperatures reaching 32.2C in Kew, west London, before heatwaves were declared across England and Wales. An official heatwave is recorded when areas reach a certain temperature for three consecutive days, with thresholds varying from 25C to 28C in different parts of the UK. Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at the UKHSA, said: 'We have already seen a spell of hot weather last week and temperatures are once again set to increase in the coming days, with central, southern and eastern areas of the country likely to see the biggest impacts. 'Our findings show that heat, especially at the sort of temperatures we are likely to see at the beginning of next week, can result in serious health outcomes across the population, especially for older adults or those with pre-existing health conditions. 'It is therefore important to check on friends, family and neighbours who are more vulnerable and to take sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.' Thunderstorms are possible with warm, humid air set to linger in the south and east on Thursday, with maximum temperatures of 27C in eastern England, the Met Office said. But temperatures are unlikely to feel 'quite as muggy', meteorologist Honor Criswick said. 'For the first part of the day, it is set to be unsettled (with) outbreaks of quite heavy rain at times, particularly across Scotland,' he said. 'But it's fairly fast moving, so by the time we reach the afternoon, particularly from the west, we're going to see the return of those bright and sunny spells. 'And behind this area of rain, a much fresher feel to the air as well.' On Friday, forecasters said the unsettled conditions look set to continue. According to the Met Office, rain could be heavy in the west, while the east of England could remain dry, escaping with some sunny intervals. Parts of the south and east may also remain very warm, with highs potentially reaching 28C as the muggy air returns. Ms Criswick said: 'For the rest of the week, we do have a ridge of high pressure building to the south, so once again pushing in a return of that warmer air. 'So, that fresher feeling day as we head into Thursday, it's going to be quite a brief interlude. 'And low pressure is never too far behind, so still some rain on the cards to finish off the week and as we head into the weekend.' The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has advised patients to store their medicine away from heat zones and direct sunlight, warning that they can lose effectiveness or cause unwanted side effects. Vice-chairwoman and pharmacist Sukhi Basra said: 'It's important we take sensible precautions, including double-checking that your medication is stored correctly in a cool dry place, as per any storage instructions, ideally below 25C, as well drinking plenty of fluids and keeping your homes cool in the hottest hours of the day. 'We know the hot weather can be more of a challenge for older people or those with certain health conditions and it's important people check on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours during this period. 'If anyone has concerns at all about their health or their medication, please speak to your local pharmacy, who will be well placed to help.'

Heat alerts issued for most of England as temperatures above 30C forecast again
Heat alerts issued for most of England as temperatures above 30C forecast again

The Guardian

time2 days ago

  • Climate
  • The Guardian

Heat alerts issued for most of England as temperatures above 30C forecast again

An amber heat-health alert has been issued for much of England, with temperatures expected to rise above 30C (86F) over the weekend. The alert, issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), covers London, the East Midlands, and the south-west, south-east and east of England. It is due to come into force at midday on Friday and will remain in place until 6pm on Tuesday. A yellow alert has also been issued for Yorkshire and the Humber, and the West Midlands. The UKHSA warned that the prolonged heat could have a significant impact on health and social care services. It follows a previous amber alert issued on 19 June, when temperatures hit 32.2C in Kew, west London, prompting official heatwave declarations across England and Wales. The latest warnings come as parts of eastern England are forecast to reach 27C on Thursday, with thunderstorms possible in the south and east as a result of lingering warm, humid air. The Met Office meteorologist Honor Criswick said: 'For the first part of the day, it is set to be unsettled, [with] outbreaks of quite heavy rain at times, particularly across Scotland. 'But it's fairly fast moving, so by the time we reach the afternoon, particularly from the west, we're going to see the return of those bright and sunny spells. 'And behind this area of rain, a much fresher feel to the air as well.' Temperatures are expected to climb again before the weekend, with highs of up to 28C in southern and eastern parts of the country expected by Friday, while western regions may have some heavy rain, and the east could remain dry with sunny spells. But Criswick warned that 'low pressure is never too far behind', with 'some rain on the cards to finish off the week and as we head into the weekend'. Scientists say the climate crisis is making heatwaves more frequent and intense, especially during the early part of summer.

Amber heat health alert issued for five regions in the UK with temperatures set to pass 30C this weekend
Amber heat health alert issued for five regions in the UK with temperatures set to pass 30C this weekend

The Sun

time2 days ago

  • Climate
  • The Sun

Amber heat health alert issued for five regions in the UK with temperatures set to pass 30C this weekend

A SECOND amber heat health alert has been issued for June, with temperatures again set to pass 30C over the weekend. The weather-related health warning, which covers five regions of the UK - London, the East Midlands, South East, South West and East of England - starts at midday on Friday and will last until 6pm on Tuesday. 3 3 3 The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also issued a yellow alert for Yorkshire and Humber and the West Midlands for the same time period, and has warned of significant impacts across health and social care services. Temperatures will steadily rise on Thursday and Friday this week, with highs potentially reaching 28C in the south and east by Friday. An amber alert was previously issued for all regions in England on June 19, the first time it had been used since September 2023. On the same day the UK recorded its warmest day of the year so far, with temperatures reaching 32.2C in Kew, west London, before heatwaves were declared across England and Wales. An official heatwave is declared when areas reach a certain temperature for three consecutive days, with thresholds varying from 25C to 28C in different parts of the UK. Thunderstorms may be possible over the weekend, with warm, humid air set to linger in the south and east on Thursday and maximum temperatures of 27C in eastern England, the Met Office said. But temperatures are unlikely to feel 'quite as muggy', meteorologist Honor Criswick said. 'For the first part of the day, it is set to be unsettled (with) outbreaks of quite heavy rain at times, particularly across Scotland,' he said. 'But it's fairly fast moving, so by the time we reach the afternoon, particularly from the west, we're going to see the return of those bright and sunny spells. 'And behind this area of rain, a much fresher feel to the air as well.' Cheap hacks to stay cool this summer According to the Met Office, rain could be heavy in the west, while the east of England could remain dry, escaping with some sunny intervals. Parts of the south and east may also remain very warm, with highs potentially reaching 28C as the muggy air returns. Mr Criswick added: 'For the rest of the week, we do have a ridge of high pressure building to the south, so once again pushing in a return of that warmer air. 'So, that fresher feeling day as we head into Thursday, it's going to be quite a brief interlude. 'And low pressure is never too far behind, so still some rain on the cards to finish off the week and as we head into the weekend.' What does a amber heat health alert mean? This alert means the forecast weather is likely to cause significant impacts across health and social care services, including: a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions. We may also see impacts on younger age groups a likely increase in demand for health services temperatures inside places like hospitals, care homes, and clinics may rise above the levels recommended for assessing health risks the heat may affect our staff's ability to deliver services challenges keeping indoor temperatures from overheating, leading to more risk to vulnerable people, particularly those living independently issues managing medicines staffing issues due to external factors (such as travel delays) increased demand for power exceeding capacity other sectors starting to observe impacts (such as transport and energy) Hot weather can lead to several health complications, primarily due to the body's difficulty in regulating its temperature. These include dehydration, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, heat rash, and sunburn. Additionally, hot weather can exacerbate existing health conditions, particularly those related to the heart and lungs, and can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. A yellow heat health alert is below an amber alert. Yellow alerts may be issued during periods of heat that would be unlikely to impact most people but could impact those who are particularly vulnerable.

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