A health warning has been issued by the government and Met Office for most of England for this weekend. The yellow heat-health alert means that the NHS is set to come under serious pressure as those with underlying health conditions potentially will need treatment.
The warning has been issued for seven regions of England - and is in place from 9am on Friday until 9am on Monday June 26 with temperatures expected to soar above 32C. With Glastonbury taking place over the weekend festival goers are being told to make sure they take precautions against the sun and have plenty to drink.
The alert from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office is active in London, the South East, South West, East Midlands, West Midlands,East of England and Yorkshire and the Humber. Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “This heat-health alert means that in the coming days we are likely to experience another sustained period of hot weather, so it’s important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.
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“Forecasted temperatures this week could primarily impact those over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions. If you have friends, family or neighbours who are more vulnerable, it is important to check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice.”
Here are the ways in which you can keep yourself and others safe during periods of hot weather:
- 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
- keep out of the direct 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 regularly
- drink plenty of fluids and limit your alcohol intake
London is expected to be the hottest part of the UK with potential highs of 31C or 32C, but temperatures will be in the high 20s for large parts of England. Met Office forecaster Marco Petagnam said: “Certainly, the warmest conditions will be developing across England and Wales, and especially towards the South East, with plenty of sunshine developing after a bit of a grey start.
“There’s a possibility of a bit of drizzle across western hills, but much of the UK away from the west will be very warm if not hot sunshine during the day.
“As we head into the afternoon we’re looking at highs in the north touching 24C or 25C, and in the South East many places getting into the high 20s. London could see 29C, maybe even 30C.” The hottest day of the year so far fell on June 10 when 32.2C was recorded in Surrey.
Thousands who are descending on Somerset for Glastonbury will welcome the warm weather, although they could see some rain and thunder moving in from the west. Mr Petagna said: “For those headed to the festival, tomorrow looks like another fine day, plenty of sunshine there.
“There will be an increased chance on Sunday, from that weather front I mentioned from the west, of a little bit of rain developing across Glastonbury. You need to keep an eye on that as it could be very sharp.
“Very warm throughout, temperatures in the mid 20s, 25C or 26C and the fresher air coming in for when things are finishing up on Monday.”
