The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber heat-health alert for the north west and most of England, as temperatures are expected to soar above 30C this week. According to the Met Office, temperatures will reach a scorching 32C on Thursday, August 13, with the rest of the week remaining hot.
Warning period and impacts
The alert is in place from 9am on Tuesday, August 11, until 9am on Friday, August 14. UKHSA warned 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, as well as impacts on younger age groups.
Other potential impacts include increased demand on health and social care services, internal temperatures in care settings exceeding recommended thresholds, and the heat affecting the ability of the workforce to deliver services. Indoor environments overheating could increase risks to vulnerable people living independently, and there may be issues managing medicines, staffing problems due to external factors, and increased power demand exceeding capacity.
Met Office forecast
The Met Office forecast for the north west this week predicts a dry and settled start on Monday with sunny spells and light winds, reaching a maximum of 21C. Monday night will see clear spells and variable cloud, with minimum temperatures of 9C.
Tuesday is expected to be fine and dry with strong sunshine, slightly breezier but warmer, with a maximum of 29C. The outlook from Wednesday to Friday indicates heat peaking on Wednesday with further strong sunshine, followed by cloud and patchy rain arriving erratically to end the week.
