Heat health warning issued for most of England over possible ‘rise in deaths
Heatmap colours yellow as temperatures are set to climb as high as 33C by the weekend
Yellow heat alerts have been issued for most of England as we’re approaching scorching temperatures.
Yorkshire and The Humber, East Midlands, East England, the South East, the South West and London are all covered by the alert which comes into effect at noon BST on Wednesday and lasts until 18:00 BST on Sunday.
Londoners are to expect temperatures as high as 28C on Tuesday, and the rest of the country can plan for the first heatwave of 2025 to hit later in the week.
A yellow alert is the lowest level, starting with amber and progressing to red, according to the UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) system.
However, the yellow alert still justifies the warning of possible impacts on health and social services.
Anyone who has been keeping a close eye on their weather app has realised that temperatures across the UK are continuously climbing, meaning it is likely that heatwave conditions could extend into next week as well.
In many parts of the UK, temperatures will range between 25C and 30C, with some parts down south reaching up to 33C.
Although temperatures this high in June aren’t unprecedented, it’s still considered quite unconventional and intense.
The UK’s June temperature record stands at 35.6C, set in Southampton in 1976. Taking the recent forecasts into consideration, it’s not likely this record will be broken this year.
The UKHSA warns of an increase in demand for health services by vulnerable people, as well as an increase in health risks for people aged over 65 years or anyone with pre-existing health conditions, such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
The head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, Dr Agostinho Sousa, said: “Our findings show that even moderate heat can result in serious health outcomes, especially for older adults, and it is, therefore, important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun
Ushering people with vulnerable family or friends that “it is important to check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice,” per BBC.
The affected areas apart from Yorkshire and the Humber have been given a risk score of 10 out of 16, meaning “significant impacts are possible” due to high temperatures.
According to UKHSA’s website, a score as high as 10 could include a possible rise in deaths, particularly among people of age or anyone with health conditions