As high temperatures across the UK have persisted, the UK Health Security Agency has extended the current heat health alert to August 14th.
The heat-health alert service is designed to help healthcare professionals manage periods of extreme temperature. The service is run from June to September and covers England only.
‘Heat can have a fast impact on health’
The alert was originally in place from midday Tuesday, August 9 to Saturday 13, but has been extended by one day for all regions of England.
However, temperatures are not forecast to reach the same levels of the most recent heatwave in July, but will likely rise throughout the week.
Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Dr Agostinho Sousa, said that people must remember that ‘heat can have a fast impact on health.’
Sousa said: ‘It’s important to ensure that people who are more vulnerable – elderly people who live alone and people with underlying health conditions – are prepared for coping during the hot weather.
‘The most important advice is to ensure they stay hydrated, keep cool and take steps to prevent their homes from overheating.’
How to stay safe in the sun
Gov.uk advises people to look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated, such as the elderly and those with underlying conditions.
Other methods to stay cool and safe include:
- Staying hydrated and avoiding excess alcohol
- Closing the curtains in rooms which face the sun
- Walking in the shade and using sunscreen
- Avoiding physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day
- Trying to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm (as this is when the UV rays are strongest)
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Tony Wardle said: ‘Heatwave criteria look likely to be met for large areas of the UK later this week, with the hottest areas expected in central and southern England and Wales on Friday and Saturday. Temperatures could peak at 35C, or even an isolated 36C on Saturday.’