The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) upgraded the heat alert for Merseyside and the wider North West of England from yellow to amber on Thursday afternoon, as temperatures climbed into the high 20s Celsius. The warning became active immediately and will remain in place until Sunday, July 12 at 9pm.
Temperature Forecast
The Met Office has forecast that temperatures in Liverpool will remain above 20°C until 8pm on Thursday. On Friday, highs of 31°C are predicted, dropping slightly to 29°C on Saturday and 28°C on Sunday. Some locations in England could reach 35 or 36°C on Thursday night and Friday.
Deputy Chief Forecaster Tom Crabtree said: “Many people will understandably want to know how long the current heatwave is likely to last. While temperatures are expected to ease across southeast England through the weekend and into next week, it won't be a straightforward end to the warm weather.”
Health Impacts
According to the UKHSA, the amber alert indicates that weather impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service, with potential for the entire population to be at risk. Significant impacts are expected in health and social care services, including a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with underlying health conditions. Younger age groups may also be affected.
There is likely to be increased demand on all health and social care services. Internal temperatures in care settings such as hospitals and care homes may exceed the recommended threshold for clinical risk assessment. The heat could affect the ability of the workforce to deliver services, and indoor environments may overheat, raising the risk to vulnerable people living independently in community and care settings.
Additional Risks
The UKHSA warned of potential issues managing medicines, staffing problems due to external factors like transport disruptions, and increased demand for power exceeding capacity. Water-related incidents, including risks from cold-water shock and drowning, may also increase.
Outlook
While the heat will gradually ease across southern and eastern parts of the UK during the weekend and into next week, very warm weather is set to continue as the focus of the highest temperatures shifts towards the southwest. Tom Crabtree added: “High pressure is expected to remain in charge through much of next week, but it will gradually migrate northwards. This means that an easterly wind will become established in the south, and the focus for the hottest conditions will migrate towards the southwest.”
He continued: “As a result, some places that have seen the highest temperatures during recent weeks will begin to cool. It will however, remain very warm – especially in the southwest – and heatwave thresholds may continue to be met in places. The overall signal is for continued fine, dry and very warm weather at times for many parts of the UK into next week. There is however a chance of thunderstorms spreading into parts of the south and southwest.”
