Met Office heatwave 'thunder' alert could affect 7.2m people's health

Met Office heatwave 'thunder' alert could affect 7.2m people's health People who have both health issues need to be aware of what's coming With the weather heating up, the Met Office is forecasting ideal conditions for thunder to break out. But millions of Brits could have a common health condition triggered by weather changes and need to know how to handle it. The latest forecast from weather experts suggests that temperatures "will quickly rise" during the week, bringing "the chance of thundery showers for some". The forecast heatwave is likely to bring record-breaking June temperatures and very high humidity to parts of the UK. Previously, the NHS warned that thunderstorms "can trigger symptoms for those with lung conditions like asthma". The health service advised that people who know they get worse during this type of weather should "use [their] inhaler more, talk to a pharmacist or contact their GP or NHS 111." Asthma is a common condition. In the UK, 7.2 million people have some degree of asthma, which works out to roughly about eight in every 100 people, according to Asthma and Lung UK. When the weather turns thundery, people with the condition may experience what is known as 'thunderstorm asthma'. People with asthma need to be careful during thunderstorms because the weather event can trigger sudden, severe asthma attacks. The asthma trigger from thunderstorms can lead to issues like "breathlessness, wheezing and coughing", Asthma and Lung UK claims. Although it has been linked to the weather, experts have yet to fully understand why thunderstorm asthma happens. People are more likely to experience this if: - They have both asthma and hay fever - They are not managing their asthma well - They have asthma, but have not yet been formally diagnosed Asthma and Lung UK also claims that younger adults (under 30) are more affected by thunderstorm asthma. Current research has found links between higher levels of atmospheric pollen and pollution particles, strengthening the case for those who suffer from both conditions at once. For more help and support with asthma, see the charity's personal summer wellness guide. To get direct support, call the helpline number: 0300 222 5800. What is the latest weather advice? Schools across England and Wales have been closing early amid 35°C heat. The forecast is set to keep rising, with areas of London predicted to reach 36°C on Wednesday and parts of the South East could have reached as high as 39°C by the end of Thursday. The Met Office has issued amber and red heat warnings for parts of the UK. Almost 100 areas will be affected by severe weather, as people have been urged to stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, when it is strongest. For more advice and updates, see our latest heatwave news section here.