The heat health alert for the North East has been upgraded to amber, indicating that the predicted impacts of the high temperatures over the next few days could be more intense than initially thought. The alert is in effect from 1:00 AM on June 24 until 11:00 PM on June 25, a shorter duration than previously forecast but with more severe weather expected.
The official alert warns that "significant impacts are expected across health and social care services due to the high temperatures." These impacts include a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions, as well as potential effects on younger age groups. There is likely to be increased demand on health and social care services, with internal temperatures in hospitals and care homes potentially exceeding the recommended threshold for clinical risk assessment. The heat may also affect the workforce's ability to deliver services, increase the risk for vulnerable people living independently, and lead to issues with managing medicines and staffing. Other sectors, such as transport, may experience delays, and water-related incidents, including risks from cold-water shock and drowning, could increase. The alert's risk score is 13, indicating a greater than 90% chance of a medium impact across the North East region.
Peak Temperatures and Regional Variations
Thursday, June 25, is expected to be the peak of the heatwave, with Newcastle upon Tyne reaching maximum temperatures of 29°C under full sun. Sunderland will be slightly cooler at 26°C. Further north in Northumberland, Alnwick will see 24°C with full sun. One of the hottest areas in the North East will be Darlington in County Durham, where a scorching 30°C is forecast. In contrast, areas further south in England are under red warnings, the highest level in the heat health alert system. London is expected to hit over 40°C, potentially breaking the current June record of 35.6°C. The last maximum daily temperature record was set during the July 2022 heatwave.
Duration and Lingering Effects
While the alert ends at 11:00 PM on June 25, the warm weather will persist. Temperatures will remain in the high 20s through Friday, June 26, before tapering off to the lower 20s by the weekend. Although these temperatures will be more manageable, the effects of the heatwave are likely to linger, and more heatwaves are expected over the summer months. According to the Met Office, such events will become more frequent due to global warming.
Safety Advice and Precautions
As part of government advice, people are reminded that hot weather can cause illness through overheating, dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. To stay safe, plan physical activities for cooler times of the day, such as early morning or evening. Keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun. Drink plenty of fluids and limit alcohol intake. Check on family, friends, and neighbours who may be at higher risk, and if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same. Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if they occur. Avoid direct sunlight between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM when UV levels are highest. If going out, cover up with suitable clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, seek shade, and apply sunscreen liberally and frequently. Exercise caution around bodies of water, as May's heatwave saw 11 deaths related to water incidents.
