Health officials have issued an amber heat health alert for multiple regions in England, warning of significant impacts on health and care services. The alerts, effective from 2pm on Friday until 5pm next Wednesday, cover the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, and the South East. They replace less severe yellow alerts previously in place.
What alerts are in place?
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber heat health alert for the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, and the South East. Yellow alerts remain in place for the South West, North West, North East, and Yorkshire and the Humber.
What do these alerts mean?
The alert system provides early warning to healthcare providers, social care sectors, voluntary organisations, and government departments that temperatures are likely to impact public health. Alerts are categorised as yellow, amber, or red based on expected impact. Yellow alerts indicate that most people are unlikely to be affected, but vulnerable individuals may struggle. Amber alerts signal that impacts are expected across the health service, with potential risk to the entire population, requiring a coordinated response.
When are they in place until?
The alerts are in effect from 2pm on Friday until 5pm next Wednesday.
Which groups are particularly vulnerable in hot weather?
According to the NHS, the most vulnerable groups include older people, especially women over 75, those living alone or in care homes, and individuals with long-term illnesses such as heart or lung conditions, diabetes, Parkinson’s, and some mental health conditions. Patients on multiple medications, babies, young children, people dependent on alcohol or drugs, and those with Alzheimer’s disease are also at higher risk.
What are the main risks?
Dehydration from insufficient water intake and overheating can exacerbate heart or breathing problems. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats and loses too much water and salt, with signs including tiredness, dizziness, headaches, nausea, excessive sweating, and intense thirst. If not treated within 30 minutes, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition. If you suspect heat exhaustion, the NHS advises moving the person to a cool place, removing unnecessary clothing, giving cool water or a sports drink, and cooling their skin with water or a fan.
How can vulnerable groups stay safe in a heatwave?
The NHS recommends staying out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, wearing sunscreen, a hat, and light clothing, avoiding exercise, alcohol, caffeine, and hot drinks, and opting for cold food and drinks. To keep homes cool, close windows during the day and open them at night when temperatures drop. Electric fans can help if the temperature is below 35°C.
