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1:57 PM 12th August 2022
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Heat-Health Alert Issued By The UK Health Security Agency - 12 August 2022

 

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended the current heat-health alert. The alert has been in place since midday on Tuesday 9 August for all regions in England and will now last until 9am on Tuesday 16 August.

The high temperatures are not forecast to reach the record-breaking levels of the most recent heatwave. However, temperatures could reach mid-30 degrees Celsius in some parts of England on Saturday and Sunday and remain in the high 20s into the start of next week.

Western and northern regions may start to see temperatures decline from Monday.

UKHSA is reminding people of heat-health advice to help everyone stay well throughout this extended period of hot weather.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said:
"We want everyone to enjoy the hot weather and stay well.

"Temperatures aren’t forecast to be quite as hot as the last heatwave, but we are experiencing a prolonged period of high temperatures that can impact the health of the most vulnerable, particularly elderly people and those with heart or lung conditions.

"The most important advice for everyone is to stay hydrated, keep cool and take steps to prevent homes from overheating. Remember to look out for anyone who could be more vulnerable during this hot weather to ensure they’re following this advice."


Andy Page, Met Office Chief Meteorologist, said:
"Persistent high pressure over the UK means temperatures have been rising day-on-day through this week and it is important people plan for the heat. Temperatures are expected to peak at 35°C on Friday and possibly 36°C over the weekend.

"We will also see increasingly warm nights, with temperatures expected not to drop below the low 20s Celsius for some places in the south.

"Temperatures will drop early next week as the weather becomes more changeable. Heavy showers and thunderstorms are likely in some areas, but there is low confidence in the details at this time and it is impossible to say yet exactly where and when they will occur."

The top ways for staying safe during hot weather include:

looking out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated – older people who may also live alone, and those with underlying conditions are particularly at risk
staying cool indoors by closing curtains on rooms that face the sun – and remember that it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding excess alcohol
trying to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest
walking in the shade, applying sunscreen and wearing a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat
avoiding physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day
making sure you take water with you if you are travelling
checking that fridges, freezers and fans are working properly
checking medicines can be stored according to the instructions on the packaging
never leaving anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
taking care and making sure to follow local safety advice if you are going into the water to cool down

High temperatures also present a risk of wildfires, especially after long dry periods. People with pre-existing heart and lung conditions such as asthma are most susceptible as breathing wildfire smoke may worsen their symptoms. Children and older people may also be susceptible to health impacts.

If wildfire smoke affects your area, avoid or reduce your exposure to smoke by staying indoors with the doors and windows closed.

Where possible avoid smoky areas. If you should travel through a smoky area, ensure that the vehicle windows are closed and the air conditioning is switched to recycle or recirculate if possible.

Listen out for local news reports and information from the emergency services who will provide advice on the precautions you should take.

Further information

Read the UKHSA blog on staying safe in extreme heat.

UKHSA’s Beat the heat checklist identifies suitable actions people can take to protect themselves during periods of hot weather.

For more information on the common signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, visit NHS.UK.

UKHSA has also published advice for the public on how to stay healthy during periods of drought.

The Met Office has published advice on how to plan for the heat.