The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a yellow heat health alert for parts of England, warning that high temperatures over the coming days could increase the risk to life for vulnerable individuals. The alert covers the East Midlands, east, south-east and south-west England, including London, from 12pm on Saturday until 5pm on Wednesday.
Minor Impacts Expected Across Health and Social Care
The agency stated that within the warning area, minor impacts are likely across health and social care services due to the high temperatures. These include increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people and a greater risk to life for the same group. The UKHSA also warned of a potential increase in water-related incidents, including risks from cold water shock and drowning.
Temperatures Expected to Rise This Weekend
The Met Office previously indicated that temperatures in the south this week will be in the low to mid-20s before rising to the high 20s or early 30s this weekend and into next week. The new alert follows a sweltering heatwave last week, during which the Met Office issued a rare red warning for extreme heat for parts of the country, and the UKHSA put red heat health alerts in place.
June Temperature Record Set Last Week
According to the Met Office, the UK set a provisional June temperature record of 37.7°C on Friday in Lingwood, Norfolk. This beats the previous June record for the UK of 35.6°C, set in 1976, by more than 2°C. Such records have historically been broken by only a fraction of a degree.
