The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended heat-health alerts across most of England until 9pm on Wednesday, July 15, as the ongoing heatwave shows no signs of abating. The alerts, originally set to expire on June 11, have been prolonged due to sustained high temperatures exceeding 30°C in parts of the country.
Impact on Health and Social Care
The UKHSA warns that significant impacts are likely across health and social care services. These include a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with pre-existing health conditions, as well as potential impacts on younger age groups. Internal temperatures in care settings such as hospitals and care homes may exceed recommended thresholds for clinical risk assessment, and the heat could affect the ability of the workforce to deliver services.
Other potential issues include overheating in indoor environments, increasing risks to vulnerable people living independently; problems managing medicines; staffing issues due to external factors like transport disruptions; increased demand for power exceeding capacity; travel delays; and a rise in water-related incidents, including risks from cold-water shock and drowning.
Ongoing Heatwave Conditions
The UK has been experiencing dry and sunny conditions for over a week, leading several water firms to impose hosepipe bans across the east of England, Cambridge, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, and parts of Kent. Fire services have been tackling multiple blazes, including a moorland fire near Dovestone Reservoir in Greater Manchester that has been burning for days. Derbyshire Fire and Rescue has responded to two moorland wildfires, while the London Fire Brigade dealt with a shrubbery fire at Stratford Station on Friday evening, causing rail closures. East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service attended a large fire on the South Downs near Eastbourne, and crews also tackled a blaze at Devil's Dyke in the South Downs National Park in West Sussex.
Official Advice
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: "Sustained periods of warm weather can result in serious negative health outcomes across the population, so it is important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun. Based on the current forecast, we don’t currently expect the health impacts to be as high as the heatwave we saw at the end of June but older adults and those with pre-existing conditions are still at risk." He added: "If you have friends, family, or neighbours who are more vulnerable, it is important to check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecast and are following the necessary advice." Dr Sousa recommended simple steps such as staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day, and keeping homes cool.
Full List of UKHSA Heat-Health Alerts
The following alerts are in place until 9pm on Wednesday, July 15:
- Amber alerts: West Midlands, South West
- Yellow alerts: East Midlands, North West, South East, East of England, London
