Government issues amber health alerts for heat for millions of Brits facing 30C plus weather this week

Government issues amber health alerts for heat for millions of Brits facing 30C plus weather this week Millions of Brits are being warned to prepare for a spell of dangerously hot weather worse than the May heatwave, with government health alerts coming into force this evening and lasting until Monday Brits are staring down the barrel of a dangerously hot spell due to start in the next few hours and last into next week, the UK government has warned. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber health alerts for heat as Met Office forecasters warned of a heatwave more severe than the one in May. Millions living in London, the south-east, south-west and east of England fall under the health alerts, which come into force on Thursday afternoon until 8pm on Tuesday June 23. The amber alert means “significant impacts are likely across health and social care services due to the high temperatures including a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions. There may also be impacts on younger age groups,” the agency warned. Among other risks, the warning said the heat could also impact “the ability of the workforce to deliver services” in the affected areas as temperatures are likely to rise into the mid 30s. The east and west midlands are also subject to yellow health alerts for heat meaning they may also see impacts on services as a result of the roasting temperatures. The government warnings come as forecasters have warned of an incoming high pressure system that will leave much of the country “feeling increasingly hot with temperatures well above the June average.” Temperatures are expected to reach the high 20s Celsius quite widely, with the potential for 32°C to be reached in the south of England on Sunday and potentially 34°C or higher on Monday, the Met Office has said. Conditions will remain noticeably humid as the heat increases with an increased risk of thunderstorms. Met Office meteorologist Honor Criswick said: “It’s a bit different to the last heatwave, because last time the humidity wasn’t as high, whereas this time the humidity is quite a bit higher. It’s just going to make it feel that bit muggier and that bit more humid during the day and overnight as well, so it just means it’s going to be more uncomfortable, the heat itself.” She added: “Because the humidity is so high, there’s a chance that this could potentially spark off some thunderstorms. It’s always tricky with thunderstorms, because they could pop up pretty much anywhere, particularly across central, southern, south-east parts of England. “But wherever they do hit, it’s probably going to be quite an intense, heavy downpour for a time with some rumbles of thunder, some sparks of lightning, but exactly where they’ll be is a tricky one to forecast at the moment.” While it is not yet known when the heat will subside, it is likely to be prolonged over the weekend and for at least the first part of next week, Ms Criswick said. A record-breaking heatwave last month saw May 26 become the hottest May day on record for both England and Wales, with 35.1C recorded at Kew Gardens and 32.9C at Cardiff Bute Park. According to the forecaster, a heatwave is defined as three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) heat health alerts also warn of the danger of water‑related incidents, including risks from cold‑water shock and drowning. During the previous record-breaking heatwave , from May 24 to 31, the UK saw a horrifying death toll of 19 children and adults killed in water related incidents during one week. In response the Mirror launched our 'Save Lives for Sam' campaign to stop the "catastrophic" deaths of 33 children who drown in England every year - "the equivalent of a classroom of children lost". Bereaved families, Olympic legends and safety organisations have joined together to call on the Government to take five key steps to save young lives across the country. People heading to the coast in the coming days should be mindful that sea-surface temperatures are not as high as they would be in mid-summer, the Met Office warned. Samantha Hughes is the National Water Safety Partner at the RNLI. She said: “With warmer weather approaching, it’s important to remember that the water is still cold. Entering it unexpectedly can lead to cold water shock, causing a sudden increase in breathing and heart rate, which may trigger panic. “If you find yourself struggling in the water, remember to Float to Live: tilt your head back so your ears are submerged, relax and control your breathing. You may need to gently use your hands to help you stay afloat, and it’s ok if your legs sink—everyone floats differently. “Where possible, always choose a lifeguarded beach, and swim between the red and yellow flags. In a coastal emergency remember to call 999 for the coastguard.”