A warning to people over upcoming high temperatures has been escalated from 'yellow' to 'amber' in five regions. On Wednesday, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office issued the heat-health alert with temperatures as high as 30C expected at the weekend.
On Thursday, the warning was upped to amber in the West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England, the south east and the south west.
A spokesperson for the UKHSA said: "The decision to move to an amber alert has been made due to latest Met Office forecasts, which indicate there is a high likelihood that forecasted temperatures will be reached rapidly over the weekend in these regions, while we are also likely to see high overnight temperatures. An amber alert indicates that weather impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service, and at this level we may begin to see some health impacts across the wider population, not just the most vulnerable."
Further yellow alerts were also issued on Thursday, with the north east, north west and Yorkshire and Humber regions now affected. London remains at yellow level, with both alerts in place from 9am on Friday to 9am on Monday. The Met Office has also issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms in a number of regions from 2pm to 9pm on Saturday.
When the alert was first issued on Wednesday, Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, 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."
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."
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The UKSHA and Met Office issued the following advice to keep safe:
- 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
