The Met Office has issued an amber "extreme heat" warning across parts of North West England as temperatures continue to climb. The warning is in effect from Thursday morning until 11.59pm, with amber heat health alerts from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) remaining in place across the whole country.
Health Impacts and Safety Advice
The alerts warn that extreme heat is likely to significantly impact health and care services. These impacts could include a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions, the UKHSA warns.
Officials have urged people to take simple steps to stay safe, such as drinking plenty of water, checking on vulnerable friends and family, and avoiding the sun at the hottest part of the day.
Affected Areas and Temperatures
The amber warning has been put in place across certain parts of the North West, including Knutsford, Congleton and Cheadle. Some areas are set to reach a scorching 38C today.
Met Office chief forecaster Chris Bulmer said: "While the peak heat will be more short-lived than recent heatwaves, temperatures widely into the mid-30s Celsius on Thursday brings the potential for impacts for some, which is why a Met Office warning has been issued."
Further Guidance from the Met Office
The Met Office has issued further advice, adding: "If using public transport, there are many simple things you can do to keep yourself safe; carry water with you, take a small hand-held battery powered fan, if you feel unwell get off at next stop for some fresh air, dress in light fabrics in light colours to help stay cooler, keep an eye on fellow passengers for signs they may be struggling."
"Help to protect vulnerable people that you know including older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone; they may need support to keep cool and stay hydrated. If you are worried about your health, or that of somebody you know, ring NHS 111."
With many water-related deaths this year during heatwave periods, they continued: "Keep yourself safe whilst enjoying the water in this weather by following these simple steps: enter the water gradually, avoiding jumping or diving straight in, to reduce your risk of cold water shock, go to a lifeguarded beach or a supervised swimming area, and, if you, or anyone else, get into difficulty in the water, float on your back."
