An amber heat-health alert is in force for Greater Manchester as temperatures are set to soar to 33C during a three-day heatwave this week. The alert, issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), covers most of England from 9am on Tuesday, August 11, until 9am on Friday, August 14.
Heatwave forecast
The Met Office says that after a brief dip on Monday (August 10), temperatures will rise day by day from Tuesday, with possible highs of 36C in East Anglia and south east England at its peak. Greater Manchester is forecast to experience a three-day heatwave between Tuesday and Thursday, with temperatures reaching up to 33C.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Mike Silverstone said: “Temperatures will climb through the weekend and, more significantly, through much of next week. After a brief dip on Monday, high pressure will move across the UK before settling to the east, allowing a southerly flow to develop.
“A fairly widespread heatwave is likely across large parts of England and Wales, with hot conditions developing in places. The heat is expected to peak for much of England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland on Wednesday, with up to 34C possible in parts of central and southern England and southeast Wales. East Anglia and south-east England, however, could see temperatures even higher on Thursday.
“Humidity levels are also expected to increase through the week, which may make conditions feel more uncomfortable, particularly overnight.”
Health impacts
The UKHSA has issued yellow and amber heat-health alerts affecting the whole of England this week. All regions except for north east England have been placed under the more significant amber alert.
The amber alert means that significant impacts are likely across health and social care services due to the high temperatures, including a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions, and potential impacts on younger age groups. There may also be increased demand on health and social care services, internal temperatures in care settings exceeding recommended thresholds, and overheating in indoor environments increasing risks to vulnerable people.
Advice
Polly Ashmore, Acting Consultant in Public Health at the UK Health Security Agency, said: "Periods of hot weather can result in serious health outcomes, especially for older adults, and it is therefore important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.
"We are urging health and social care services in affected regions to ensure they are prepared, and reminding people to look out for elderly relatives, neighbours, and those with underlying health conditions, making sure they are aware of the forecast and following the necessary advice."
Ms Ashmore continued: "Simple steps such as staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day, and keeping your home cool are some of the key ways to help keep yourself and others safe during periods of hot weather."
