TEMPERATURES are set to soar above 30C in parts of England by the end of this week – and health chiefs have warned of potential “serious health outcomes”.
A yellow heat health alert has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for seven regions of the country in preparation for this week’s sizzling temperatures.
heat will build through this week, with temperatures expected to exceed 30C by the weekend[/caption]
A yellow heat health alert has been issued for seven regions of the country[/caption]
The following areas will be under the alert between midday on Thursday and 6pm on Sunday: Yorkshire and The Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, East England, the South East, the South West and London.
A yellow alert is the lowest, behind amber and red, on the UKHSA’s system, but warns of a possible rise in deaths among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions.
Younger age groups could also be affected.
Temperatures in many parts of the UK will range between 25C and 30C, but places like London could see temperatures reach as high as 33C.
The UK’s June temperature record stands at 35.6C, which was set in Southampton in 1976.
Current forecasts suggest the record is unlikely to be broken this time.
The UKHSA added an increase in demand for health services by vulnerable people is also likely.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: “Our findings shows that even moderate heat can result in serious health outcomes, especially for older adults, and it is therefore important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.”
He added that for people with vulnerable family, friends, and neighbours, it’s important to check in on them and ensure they’re aware of the forecasts – and are following he necessary advice.
Almost all the affected areas have been given a risk score of 10 out of a possible 16, which indicates “significant impacts are possible” due to the high temperatures.
Yorkshire and the Humber has been given a score of seven, meaning only minor impacts are likely.
The main risks posed by a very hot weather are dehydration (not drinking enough water) and overheating, which can make symptoms worse for people who already have problems with their heart of breathing.
A little rain has been forecast throughout the period, and there may be some isolated thunderstorms on Saturday and Sunday.
High temperatures are expected to fizzle out into next week, but Southern parts of the UK may remain very warm.
This year’s first heat health alert was issued on June 11th.
Will it be a heatwave?
A heatwave in the UK is met when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days, with temperature values meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature thresholds.
Across the north and west of the UK this is 25C, and across Greater London and the Home Counties, 28C.
Tony Wisson, deputy chief meteorologist, said: “By the beginning of the weekend we could very well be meeting heatwave thresholds in places.
“While the warmest temperatures are likely across London and the east of England, by Saturday, heatwave thresholds could be reached across much of the Midlands, low-lying areas bordering the Peak District and even parts of east Wales.”
How to stay safe in hot weather
WHILE many people enjoy warmer summer weather, hot weather can cause some people to become unwell through overheating (becoming uncomfortably hot), dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Remember the following tips if you want to stay safe:
- keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm
- if you are going to do a physical activity (for example exercise or walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler such as the morning or evening
- keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
- if you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, seek shade and apply sunscreen
- drink plenty of fluids and limit your alcohol intake
- check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell, and if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you
- know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them
Heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats and cannot cool down. Heat exhaustion does not usually need emergency medical attention if you cool down within 30 minutes. If you do not take action to cool down, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke.
Common symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- tiredness
- weakness
- feeling faint
- headache
- muscle cramps
- feeling or being sick
- heavy sweating
- intense third
Heatstroke is where the body is no longer able to cool down and the body temperature becomes dangerously high.
Common symptoms of heatstroke include:
- confusion
- lack of co-ordination
- fast heartbeat
- fast breathing or shortness of breath
- hot skin that is not sweating
- seizures
Heatstroke is a medical emergency. If you think someone has heatstroke you should dial 999 and then try to cool them down.
Source: GOV.UK
