Fresh heat health alerts have been issued for three regions in England, with officials warning of a “greater risk to life” for vulnerable people over the coming 52 hours.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has placed yellow alerts across the East of England, London and the South East from 4pm on Thursday, May 28 until 8pm on Saturday, May 30.
The alerts indicate that health and social care services are likely to be affected, including increased demand from vulnerable individuals and a greater risk to life. The UKHSA also warned that indoor environments could become very warm and that water-related incidents, such as cold-water shock and drowning, may rise.
The move follows a series of amber alerts last week covering the Midlands, Eastern England and South Eastern England, which were initially due to run until May 28 at 5pm but were lifted that morning. The UKHSA described the need to issue such warnings at this early stage of the year as “extraordinary”.
It comes after the UK recorded its hottest May day on record for the second consecutive day, with 35C logged at Heathrow and Kew Gardens, according to the Met Office. The forecaster said some warmth would persist, particularly in the southeast, with peaks of 32C possible on Thursday before dipping to around 28C on Friday as high pressure gradually weakens.
