The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended its yellow heat-health alert for the North West, including Merseyside, as scorching temperatures continue into the end of the working week. Originally in place until Wednesday, July 15, the alert now remains active until Friday, July 17, at 9pm.
What the Yellow Alert Means
According to the UKHSA, yellow alerts are issued during periods of heat that would be unlikely to impact most people but could affect those who are particularly vulnerable. Significant impacts are possible across health and social care services due to the high temperatures, including a rise in deaths, especially among individuals aged 65 and over or those with underlying health conditions. The hot weather may also affect younger age groups.
There is likely to be an increased demand on all health and social care services. Internal temperatures in care settings such as hospitals and care homes may exceed the recommended threshold for clinical risk assessment. The heat could also affect the ability of the workforce to deliver services. Indoor environments could overheat, increasing the risk to vulnerable people living independently in community and care settings.
Temperature Forecast
Temperatures will remain in the high 20s until the alert ends on Friday evening. The Met Office forecast for Thursday states: "Another fine, dry and very warm day. Any morning low cloud once again quickly clearing to leave prolonged periods of strong sunshine throughout Thursday. Calm winds. Maximum temperature 27 °C."
Looking ahead to the weekend, the forecaster said temperatures will "drop slowly." It added: "Staying dry and settled into the weekend. Further sunny spells, though cloud amounts generally increasing. Temperatures slowly dropping towards the seasonal average, but still feeling pleasant in the sunshine."
Liverpool Forecast
Wednesday: 29°C
Thursday: 27°C
Friday: 25°C
Saturday: 23°C
Sunday: 21°C
Monday: 20°C
