Health warning issued for England as heatwave continues

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued the yellow warning as temperatures are expected to reach 33°C in parts of the UK.

The warning comes as the high temperatures are having a “significant impact” on the health and social care sectors and could pose an increased risk to vulnerable or medically compromised people.

The amber warning is open until Sunday, September 10th, 9 p.m.

The official heatwave criteria will be met for much of southern Britain this week, with temperatures expected to remain high across much of England and Wales until the weekend.

Find out more in our latest press release 👇

– Met Office (@metoffice) September 5, 2023

What to expect from the Amber Weather and Health Alert

The UKHSA said the yellow warning, which will affect most of England, was due to:

• Significant impacts are likely across health and social care high temperatures;
• An increase in mortality rates across the population is likely, particularly in the over-65 age group or those with underlying health problems;
• The warmer weather could also impact younger age groups;
• Increased demand for telehealth services likely;
• Internal temperatures in care facilities (hospitals and nursing homes) the recommended threshold for clinical risk assessment may be exceeded;
• impacts on the ability to provide services due to heat impacts on the workforce;
• Overheating can occur in many indoor spaces.
• An increased risk for vulnerable people living independently and in care settings;
• drug management issues;
• Staffing issues due to external factors (e.g. transportation);
• The possibility of excess demand for temporary AC capacity;
• While it is there, it is likely that other sectors will also feel impacts from increased temperatures.

Follow @UKHSA Advice for staying safe in the heat:

👉Drink lots of water
👉Apply sunscreen generously!
👉Seek shade where you can
👉Watch out for friends and neighbors at risk

More tips to stay cool: https://t.co/2l1osxn6cJ#WeatherReady

– Met Office (@metoffice) September 4, 2023

Weather overview in England for the rest of the week

The UKHSA is working with the Met Office to coordinate health advice heat for England.

Looking at the weather for the rest of the week, it said: “High confidence for a very warm or hot period in the coming days; There is a lot of dry, fine and humid weather in many places.”

“Temperatures will rise steadily across most of the UK for the rest of this week and probably into the weekend, with 31-32 degrees fairly widespread in parts of the central, south and southeast in light winds, and perhaps 33 locally Degrees prevail.”

“It will remain very warm in many places until early next week, particularly in the south and southeast.

“Nighttime temperatures will also be very warm throughout the week, perhaps tropical (>20°C) for some urban areas in the south until midweek.

“Uncertainty remains through the end of the week, with the possibility of a severe collapse from the west, particularly on Friday and Saturday.”