AN AMBER heat health alert has been put in place across much of England, including in the south.
Temperatures are expected to rise once again over the weekend, with Sunday-Monday, July 29-30, expected to be particularly hot.
The alert, issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), means that the hot weather is likely to bring increased pressures on health and social care services.
It is the second heatwave of recent weeks, with the first seeing some parts of the UK reaching as high as 33° Celsius.
Parts of London could reach as high a 35°C, and the possibility of ‘tropical’ nights, during which the temperature does not fall below 20°C.
The warning is put in place to warn against health risks, as well as difficulties managing medicines, the ability of the workers to deliver services, and temperatures in care settings exceeding the recommended thresholds.
Professor Hannah Cloke of the University of Reading said: “The amber heat health alert system operates as a specialised early warning network for healthcare professionals, helping them prepare for surges in heat-related health emergencies.
“Unlike standard weather forecasts focused on maximum temperatures, these alerts consider overnight minimums, which determine how well bodies recover from daily heat stress.
“The system escalates from yellow through amber to red, triggering specific measures across hospitals and care homes.
“Healthcare workers use these warnings to increase staffing, monitor vulnerable patients more closely, and ensure adequate cooling supplies.
“The alerts provide invaluable advance notice for professionals dealing with extreme heat’s health consequences.”
