Amber heat health alerts issued across almost ALL of England as mercury forecast to hit 36C this week

Amber heat health alerts issued across almost ALL of England as mercury forecast to hit 36C this week The Met Office has issued amber heat health alerts for most of England as temperatures are forecast to soar into the mid-30Cs this week, with the heat expected to peak at 36C on Thursday amid ongoing England drought conditions Amber heat health alerts have been issued across almost all of England, as the mercury was forecast to reach the mid-30Cs again this week. The UKHSA heat health warnings came as almost three-quarters of England was officially declared in a drought, after a record-breaking hot summer. Amber heat health alerts were issued for the East Midlands, East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, London, North West, South East, South West, and West Midlands. A single yellow heat health alert was issued for the North East. All of the warnings were in effect from Tuesday August 11 at 9am until Friday August 14 at 9pm. The Met Office confirmed it was forecasting temperatures to reach the mid-30Cs later in the week, following a relatively cool Monday. The mercury was expected to peak at 36C in some areas on Thursday. Met Office chief forecaster Jason Kelly said: "Heat will gradually build this week, with temperatures reaching into the mid-30s Celsius in what will be a fairly widespread heatwave for England and Wales. The driver for this week's heat is high pressure, this becoming dominant over the next day or so, bringing plenty of sunshine and allowing temperatures to build day-by-day. "Southerly or southeasterly winds will also tap into the hot conditions over Europe, meaning we're looking at further notable heat for many this week, likely peaking on Thursday." The Met Office added that cooler air would sweep in from the north west over the weekend, with weakening high pressure potentially allowing showers or prolonged spells of rain to move across parts of the UK for a period. But forecasters warned that any rainfall would fall far short of compensating for the significant shortfall seen in recent weeks and months. England and Wales have endured their driest July in records stretching back to 1836, with provisional figures revealing that 19 counties in England saw absolutely no rainfall throughout the entire month. Southern England also recorded its hottest July on record, while Wales experienced its joint hottest July on record, and both the UK and England sweltered through their second hottest July, according to Met Office figures. Devastating wildfires have torn through areas including the Pennines, the Cairngorms in Scotland, Llanwonno in the Rhondda Valleys, South Wales, and Dunwich Heath in Suffolk. More than 120 firefighters were battling on Monday to contain the latest blaze, which is engulfing a square kilometre of heathland in the New Forest, Hampshire, forcing the closure of the A31 following a vehicle fire. The sweltering dry conditions this summer have combined with several heatwaves, including record-breaking temperatures for the time of year in May and June, which led to more than 2,800 excess deaths. An 18-year-old died after getting into difficulty in the sea at Camber Sands beach, East Sussex on Sunday, bringing the total number of fatalities in open-water incidents throughout the scorching, dry summer to more than 40. On inland waterways, the Canal and River Trust announced it has temporarily lifted the requirement for boats without a permanent mooring to relocate at least every 14 days, as part of measures to conserve water supplies. Britain is increasingly battling the effects of more extreme weather events such as drought, heatwaves and wildfires driven by climate change, which is predominantly caused by burning fossil fuels in power stations, vehicles, homes and industry. Downing Street insisted it remained committed to both the immediate response and building long-term resilience against escalating extreme weather events. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "We know these conditions are having a significant impact on communities, farmers and businesses across the country. Our climate is changing. Droughts are becoming more common, which is why we're focused on both the immediate response and long-term resilience. "That includes working through the national drought group with the Environment Agency, water companies, farmers, and environmental organisations to protect water supplies and minimise environmental damage. And we're also backing major investment in water infrastructure, including new reservoirs, whilst making clear that water companies must do more to cut leaks and improve resilience." As amber heat health alerts were put in place, Polly Ashmore, acting consultant in public health at the UK Health Security Agency, called on people to take straightforward precautions to remain safe, such as drinking plenty of fluids, keeping homes cool and steering clear of the sun during the hottest part of the day. "For vulnerable groups including older adults and those with existing health conditions, warmer weather can result in serious health outcomes. "We urge health and social care services to ensure they are prepared and encourage people to check on vulnerable friends and family to make sure everyone is aware of the forecast, follows the necessary advice and stays safe in this period of hot weather," she said.