Health officials have issued alerts across large parts of England as temperatures are set to soar later this week.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber heat-health alert in East of England, London, South East and the South West, as well as a less severe yellow alert in East Midlands and West Midlands.
In collaboration with the Met Office, the UKHSA uses the alerting system to provide an early warning when adverse temperatures are likely to impact on the health and wellbeing of the population.
The amber alert, which is in effect from 12pm on Thursday 18 June until 8pm on Tuesday 23 June, means that 'significant impacts' are likely across health and social care services due to the high temperatures.
These impacts could include a rise in deaths, particularly amongst the elderly or vulnerable, issues managing medicines, staffing issues, and an increase in water-related incidents.
It comes as the Met Office said that UK temperatures are expected to climb steadily, with southern parts of England approaching 30C by Friday and becoming very warm more widely through the weekend.
The UK weather agency said that maximum temperatures for the period are 32C on Friday in East Anglia, 28C on Saturday as the warmest air temporarily shifts away from the UK, 32C in the south and southeast of England on Sunday and the potential for 33C in the same areas on Monday as warm conditions build again from the south.
Deputy Chief Forecaster, Gregory Wolverson, said: “This week’s weather reflects a contrast we often see in summer, with more unsettled conditions passing to the northwest of the UK while heat builds in the south and east. As we move towards the weekend, we’ll see conditions become more widely settled and temperatures rise all round. Many parts of southern and eastern England are likely to see temperatures high enough to meet heatwave thresholds.”
“It’s important to note that while temperatures may be high, we might not all see the wall-to-wall sunshine and blue skies we experienced back in May because there is more cloud around. There is also a chance of thunderstorms developing in places, particularly later each day, which could bring heavy showers and localised impacts.”
While there is currently no heat-health alert in Greater Manchester, the region is expected to meet its heatwave thresholds, according to Met Office forecasts. Greater Manchester is set to reach highs of 25C on Friday, down to 21C on Saturday, 26C on Sunday, and 27C on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Ahead of the hot weather, the Alzheimer's Society has warned that people living with dementia are more vulnerable to hot weather. Angelo Makri, Senior Knowledge Officer for Wellbeing at Alzheimer's Society, said: “People should absolutely enjoy the warmer weather, but it’s important to remember that high temperatures can pose serious risks for people living with dementia if they are not supported to stay cool and hydrated.”
“People with dementia may not always recognise when they need a drink or wear suitable clothing, which can increase the risk of dehydration and heat-related illness. As temperatures rise this week, we’re urging families, friends and carers to check in and make sure loved ones are drinking enough, wearing light clothing and staying out of direct sunlight.”
