The Met Office has issued the UK with an Amber Extreme heat warning as temperatures are set to soar to 35C in some areas over the next week.
Issued in particular for Sunday 17 July, the Amber warning emphasises the risk of health issues caused by the rising temperature for the general public, not just those vulnerable individuals who usually suffer adverse health effects from the heat.
Over the weekend, the temperature in the south-east of England is likely to reach 35C, with much of England seeing 32C and thus also subject to the warning. The Met Office has also suggested that the warning could last into next week if the heatwave continues, stating that ‘an extension of the warning will be considered in the coming days.’
Heat-Health Alert
The south-east of England is also subject to a Level 3 UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Heat-Health Alert, with the rest of England under a slightly lower Level 2 warning. The Met Office advice is as follows:
‘Look out for others, especially older people, young children and babies and those with underlying health conditions. Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol, dress appropriately for the weather and slow down when it is hot.’
The criteria for a heatwave is met when exact temperature thresholds are met and exceeded for three days running. Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Rebekah Sherwin stated that ‘temperatures are likely to peak at 33C in the southeast, with warm weather likely to continue throughout this week and it looks likely to ramp up late this week and into early next week.
‘From Sunday and into Monday, temperatures are likely to be in excess of 35C in the southeast, although the details still remain uncertain. Elsewhere, temperatures could be fairly widely above 32C in England and Wales, and in the mid-to-high 20s Celsius further north.’
No let up
Furthermore, UKHSA’s Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection, Dr Agostinho Sousa, said: ‘Heat-health alerts have now been issued to the majority of the country, with temperatures set to remain consistently high throughout the duration of this week.
‘Most of us can enjoy the hot weather when it arrives, but it is important to keep yourself hydrated and to find shade where possible when UV rays are strongest, between 11am and 3pm.
‘If you have vulnerable family, friends and neighbours, make sure they are aware of how they can keep themselves protected from the warm weather.’