The UKHSA has issued a yellow warning until Friday this week, which means temperatures could impact on the health and wellbeing of some people in affected areas

Amber heat health alerts have been issued for parts of the UK this week as a heatwave could bring record-breaking temperatures of up to 38C

The UKHSA issued an amber alert which now cover most of England from this morning until Friday night and a yellow heat alert is also in place for the North East of England during the same period.

The alert is in place from 11am on Monday, June 22 until 11pm on Wednesday, June 24. The UKHSA says that minor impacts are likely across health and social care service, including; increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people, greater risk to life of vulnerable people, increased potential for indoor environments to become very warm; and that water-related incidents may increase, including risks from cold-water shock and drowning.

Risk Description

Minor impacts are likely across health and social care services, including:

• increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people
• greater risk to life of vulnerable people
• increased potential for indoor environments to become very warm
• water‑related incidents may increase, including risks from cold‑water shock and drowning

UKHSA guidance on staying safe in hot weather

• Keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun.
• Try to avoid direct sunlight, especially between 11am and 3pm when UV levels are highest. If you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing, such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, and seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly.
• if you are going to do a physical activity (for example, exercising or walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler, such as the morning or evening. Also check weather forecasts to see when it will be cooler.
• Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them.

Meanwhile, Europe is also sweltering under the heatwave, with temperatures forecast to hit 37C in Rome and 39C in Madrid on Monday. In France, highs of more than 40C are expected on Monday as emergency services and military forces have been put on wildfire alert.