UK Weather: First Heat-Health Alert Of Year Extended Into Next Week

Britain's first heat-health alert of the year has been extended into next week.

The heatwave is expected to see the UK record its hottest day of the year so far this weekend - with temperatures forecast to soar as high as 30C.

The five regions of England under an amber alert - when the heat is likely to impact the wider population, not just the most vulnerable - are:

• West Midlands
• East Midlands
• East of England
• South East
• South West

A further yellow alert - when the weather is likely to impact vulnerable groups such as those with underlying health conditions, or the elderly - is in place for:

• North East
• North West
• Yorkshire and Humber
• London

The alert, issued by the UK Health Security Agency and the Met Office, was in place from 9am on Friday to 9am on Monday - but has now been extended to 9am on Tuesday.

The system only covers England and provides warnings of hot weather which might impact the health of members of the public - and is designed to assist healthcare workers who are managing periods of "extreme temperatures".

It comes amid fresh thunderstorm warnings with parts of the country predicted to be hotter than Marbella, Ibiza and Tenerife in the coming days as a "plume of warm air" moves in from the South, triggering thundery showers.

Some areas could see more than 60mm (2 inches) of rainfall in just a few hours on Sunday, with a yellow warning for thunderstorms in place for much of the western side of the UK between noon and 9pm.

A yellow warning is also in place for Wales and south and western England between 2pm and 9pm on Saturday.

Forecasters have warned of the potential for flash flooding.

The thundery showers may continue into Monday particularly in southern and central England as well as in Wales, the Met Office said.

https://news.sky.com/story/first-heat-health-alert-of-year-extended-into-next-week-12899475

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Brighton & Hove City Council have issued some advice to residents on how to stay safe in the heat over the weekend.

It's after an Amber Heat-Health Alert was raised for the South East.

Councillor Bruno De Oliveira, chair of the Health & Wellbeing Board said:

“It’s important we all think about what we can do to protect ourselves from the heat and stay safe while we’re out. 

“A lot of the advice is common sense – drinking water, closing curtains, wearing sunscreen, staying in the shade and taking care in the sea– but some people may not realise the risks.

“Please check on any friends, family or neighbours who may be more vulnerable to make sure they have the support they need to keep cool and stay safe.”

Look out for others

• Get in touch with friends, family or neighbours who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated and need help – older people, young children, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk.
• Children often don’t realise when they’ve had enough sun, so adults must think for them to keep them protected.

Stay hydrated

• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol. 
• Take water out with you – use the drinking water fountains and bottle filling points available in the city.

Keep cool

• If you’re out and about, try to keep out of the sun and avoid physical exertion in the hottest part of the day.
• If you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat and loose-fitting clothing.

Keep homes and vehicles cool

• Close curtains on rooms that face the sun and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
• Check that fridges, freezers and fans are working properly and make sure medicines can be stored according to the instructions. 
• Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.

Be careful in the sea

• Take care and follow local safety advice if you are going into the water to cool down. 
• You should only swim in the lifeguarded areas between the red and yellow flags.
• The sea is still very cold and the water can get deep quickly. Please supervise your children at all times at the water’s edge.
• Remember, it’s never safe to go into the sea when you’ve been drinking alcohol. 

Stay safe

• Look out for signs of heat related illness. Cool your skin with water, slow down and drink water. Call NHS 111 if you need medical help or in an emergency dial 999.

More information

For more information to help you keep cool and stay safe during hot weather: 

• Read UKHSA advice on how to beat the heat
• Look at NHS information about heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and sunscreen and sun safety.
• Read advice from East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service on preventing fires and keeping your home safe in the hot weather.