The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber heat health alert for parts of the UK as temperatures are expected to soar over the bank holiday weekend.
The alerts – which mean significant impacts are likely across health and care services – cover the East Midlands, West Midlands, the east of England, London and the South East.
They are in place from 2pm on Friday until 5pm next Wednesday and replace less severe yellow alerts which were previously in place.
According to the UKHSA website, an amber heat health alert means there is likely to be “a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions” and increased demand on all health and social care services.New yellow alerts have been issued for the north-east and north-west of England, Yorkshire and Humber and the south-west of England.
The less severe alert means significant impacts on health and social care services are possible.
This comes as the UK is forecast to see its hottest May day on record over the bank holiday weekend.
