An amber alert has been issued for large parts of England covering the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, and the South East.
The alerts are an “enhanced hot weather response” which warns that significant impacts are “likely” across health and social care. The alerts from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) will be in place from 9am on Tuesday, until 6pm on Wednesday.
The amber alerts warn that there could be a rise in deaths particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions. The UKHSA also warns there may also be impacts on younger age groups, with a likely increase in demand for health and social care services.
It comes as London faces its fourth heatwave of the summer, with forecasters warning of several days of hot and humid conditions.
Yellow heat health alerts, issued by the UK Health Security Agency, are already in place for most of England – excluding the north-east and north-west – from Monday to Wednesday.
The Met Office says the official heatwave criteria will be met across many areas, with three consecutive days of temperatures above thresholds that range between 25C and 28C depending on location.
In London, temperatures were forecast to reach 29C on Monday, rise to 32C on Tuesday and hit 28C on Wednesday.
As the upgrade to amber health alerts was announced, Dr Paul Coleman, Consultant in Public Health at UKHSA, said: “Temperatures are forecast to rise above 30°C across central and southern parts of the country over the next few days, and generally hot weather is expected across most regions of England.
“These kind of temperatures can result in serious health outcomes across the population – particularly in those who are vulnerable, such as the elderly or those with serious health conditions - so it is important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.
“If you have friends, family or neighbours who are vulnerable, it is important to ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice. Check in on them if you can to make sure they know that hot weather is on the way and how to keep themselves safe.”
The warm spell marks a sharp turnaround from last week when Storm Floris brought heavy rain and strong winds to parts of the UK. Forecasters say hot air will be drawn up from the south due to the interaction between high pressure drifting across southern Britain and an area of low pressure – containing remnants of Tropical Storm Dexter – in the Atlantic.
England and Wales will enjoy the best of the sunshine, although a few scattered thunderstorms are possible, while Northern Ireland and Scotland can expect outbreaks of rain at times, especially on Monday. After a warm weekend, temperatures will climb steadily from Monday, with much of England and Wales reaching the mid-to-high twenties and some Home Counties locations topping 30C.
With very warm and humid air lingering until Wednesday, the conditions will amount to the fourth heatwave of the summer for east Wales, the Midlands, and eastern and south-eastern England.
