The first heat health warning of 2023 has been issued ahead of scorching temperatures forecast this weekend. Six regions of England, including the South West, have been issued a yellow heat alert warning by the UK Health Security Agency (HSA) with temperatures expected to be high enough to become a health risk for vulnerable people.
The weather alert is in place from 9am on Friday, June 9 to 9am on Monday, June 12 and UKHSA says if current forecasted temperatures are reached, it could impact the health and social care sectors. This is expected to be the first prolonged period of hot weather this year and UKHSA advises members of the public to check in on anyone who may be vulnerable to high temperatures.
The whole of the South West falls under the yellow alert, with the Met Office forecasting temperatures as high as 25C in Bristol over the weekend and into next week. The forecaster has also warned high temperatures could increase the chanced of heavy and thundery showers.
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Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at the UK HSA, said: “In the coming days we are likely to experience our first sustained period of hot weather of the year so far, so it’s important that everyone ensures they keep hydrated and cool while enjoying the sun.
“Forecasted temperatures this week will primarily impact those over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. If you have friends, family or neighbours who you know are more vulnerable to the effects of hot weather, it is important you check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice.’’
Under the new system introduces by UKHSA and the Met Office, a yellow alert means vulnerable people at likely to require the health care services as a result of the heat. There is also an increased health risk for people over the age of 65 or anyone with pre-existing health conditions including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
There is also the potential for indoors, including health and care spaces, to become very warm.
Dan Harris, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “Temperatures will rise later this week and into the weekend, with a plume of warm air being drawn in from the south. Temperatures over the weekend could peak around 30°C in some parts of England and remain well above average overnight through the weekend.
“Coupled with the rise in temperatures is an increase in the likelihood of some potentially heavy and thundery showers, which could bring some localised disruption for some from late on Friday and into the weekend, though it is not possible to be definitive about exact details this far from the potential event.”
UKHSA advice 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 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.
This spike in the mercury is largely due to warm plume of air from the south making its way across the UK. The current wave of high pressure, responsible for the last few weeks of warm sunshine, is expected to move towards Scandinavia, while the warm plume will be driven by Storm Oscar across the UK.
South West Met Office five-day weather forecast
Tonight: Some late evening sunshine to end the day. Cloud increasing overnight with eastern areas becoming cloudy by dawn. Winds strengthening, becoming gusty across Devon and Cornwall. Minimum temperature 9°C.
Thursday: Fine, dry and settled on Thursday, with any early morning cloud soon lifting and clearing eastwards. Feeling pleasant in the sunshine. Winds generally gusty across Devon and Cornwall. Maximum temperature 24°C.
Outlook for Friday to Sunday: Long sunny spells on Friday, once early morning cloud clears. Becoming windy. Feeling very warm with temperatures climbing. Chance of heavy showers, perhaps thundery on Saturday and into Sunday.
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