The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a red 'danger to life' heat-health alert for six areas in England, as temperatures are forecast to reach as high as 40°C. The alert, issued in collaboration with the Met Office, is in effect from 1am on Wednesday, June 24, to 11pm on Thursday, June 25.
Affected Areas
The red alert covers the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, South West, East of England, and London. Additionally, an amber alert is in place for the North East, North West, Yorkshire, and The Humber.
Severe Impacts Expected
The UKHSA issues heat-health alerts when 'severe impacts' are expected across health and social care services. These include increased risk to life across the whole population, with significant impacts on older people; significantly increased demand on all health and social care services; the heat affecting the ability of the workforce to deliver services; hot indoor environments making provision of care challenging; national critical infrastructure failures, such as generators and power outages; and potential increases in water-related incidents, including risks from cold-water shock and drowning.
Official Warnings
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: "Very hot weather is forecast across large parts of England in the coming days and we are urging health and social care services across the country to ensure they are prepared. It is vitally important that people understand the risk posed by high temperatures like these, and take steps to keep themselves and their friends, families and neighbours safe."
He added: "A red heat health alert indicates a risk to life for even the healthy population, but simple actions like staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day, and keeping your home cool can make a big difference. It’s also important to look out for others, especially elderly relatives, neighbours, and those with underlying health conditions, to make sure they are aware of the forecast and following the necessary advice."
Record-Breaking Temperatures
The Met Office has also issued red and amber 'extreme heat' warnings. Deputy Chief Forecaster Mark Sidaway said: "Red warnings are reserved for the most severe events and we’re expecting severe and significant impacts from this heatwave, with health impacts likely for many, even beyond those who are normally more vulnerable to the heat."
He noted: "The last time the UK recorded temperatures this high was in July 2022, but on this occasion the heat is expected to be accompanied by high humidity." Sidaway continued: "As well as very high daytime temperatures, there will be consecutive nights where temperatures do not drop below 20°C, which is called a Tropical Night. This will make it very hard for people to recover from the daytime heat, exacerbating the heat stress impacts."
Advice for the Public
The UKHSA advises people to stay hydrated, avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day, keep homes cool, and check on elderly relatives and neighbors. The alert is expected to cause significant disruption to health and social care services, with increased demand and potential infrastructure failures.
