Several amber health issues have been issued as the UK braces for another sweltering heatwave.
A nationwide warm spell is around the corner after temperatures in May reached record highs, but this one could be even more unbearable.
The Met Office warned the incoming heatwave will be ‘humid and muggy’ in parts of England.
With temperatures set to top 30C in some areas in the south, the UK Health Security Agency has issued amber heat health alerts.
The warnings cover London, the southeast, southwest and east of England, and they are active from today until 8pm on Tuesday.
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What does the heat health alert mean?
The watchdog said health and social care services could face increased pressure, which could result in a rise in deaths.
People aged 65 and over, as well as those with health conditions, will be most vulnerable, it said, though there may also be impacts on younger age groups as the conditions become sweltering.
Less severe yellow health alerts cover the East and West Midlands, warning of minor impacts on services.
Heatwave weather forecast
London will see temperatures exceed 30C almost every day over the next week, forecasts have suggested.
And there won’t be any respite after the sun drops either, as temperatures will rarely drop below 20C even at night.
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 continued: ‘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, southeast 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.’
Besides health concerns, the heat can also wreak havoc on travel, especially on the railways.
The railways can melt and bend in extreme heat, so speed restrictions might be in place in some sections.
This could cause delays and cancellations, National Rail warned.
Passengers on the rail and London Underground are advised to carry water with them, and some larger train stations have free refill spots.
On the roads, drivers should avoid the hottest part of the day and head off early in the morning if possible.
Lee Morley, motoring expert and AA’s patrol specialist, shared essential tips ahead of the heatwave: ‘Before leaving, take a few minutes to check your tyres, coolant and oil, and make sure you have enough fuel or charge to keep your air conditioning running if traffic is heavy.
‘Carry plenty of water, ideally at least one litre per person travelling, and pack as though you could be delayed. Snacks, sun cream, medication, a first aid kit, mobile phone chargers, the AA app and what3words can all make a real difference if you break down or get caught in long queues.
‘A parked car can become dangerously hot in minutes, so never leave children, older or vulnerable passengers, or pets inside a vehicle, even briefly.
‘If you do break down, stop somewhere safe, if possible, keep well away from moving traffic and wait in the shade, in a safe place, while help is on the way.’
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