Rare heatwave Red Alert issued over health risk as hospitals and social care urged to ‘be prepared’

The UK Health Security Agency has issued Red ‘heat health’ alert over risk to transport as well as ‘food, water and energy supplies’ as temperatures set to hit 38C this week

Britain has issued only its second ever ‘heat-health’ Red Alert over the coming heatwave, with hospitals and social care facilities given a warning to ‘be prepared’

The UK Health Security Agency has put six regions under the red heat-health alert from 1am on Wednesday until 11pm on Thursday. These are the West Midlands, East Midlands, South East, South West, London and East of England. An amber alert has been issued for the North West, North East, and Yorkshire and the Humber for the same period.

Health chiefs are warning NHS and social care services to be ‘prepared’ insisting that forecast temperatures of up to 38C pose a risk to life for ‘even the healthy population’.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events at the UKHSA, said: “Very hot weather is forecast across large parts of England in the coming days and we are urging health and social care services across the country to ensure they are prepared. It is vitally important that people understand the risk posed by high temperatures like these, and take steps to keep themselves and their friends, families and neighbours safe.”

A red heat-health alert (HHA) indicates that a severe heatwave could have impacts beyond health and social care with potential effects on transport systems, food, water, energy supplies and businesses. It indicates a risk to life for even the healthy population. The UKHSA has issued a set of guidelines to help people stay safe in the coming days and protect their families.

Dr Sousa added: “A red heat health alert indicates a risk to life for even the healthy population, but simple actions like staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day, and keeping your home cool can make a big difference. It’s also important to look out for others, especially elderly relatives, neighbours, and those with underlying health conditions, to make sure they are aware of the forecast and following the necessary advice.”

It is the second red heat health warning to be issued, after the first in July 2022 when temperatures soared above 40C in the UK for the first time.

There is also a high risk of failure of heat-sensitive systems and equipment, with the loss of power and other essential services, such as water, electricity, gas or mobile phone services.

It comes after the Met Office issued its own amber alert for extreme heat on Monday and Tuesday which was then extended until at least the end of Thursday. Temperatures will be in the high 30s for much of the country from Tuesday.

This week temperatures in the UK are expected to reach a record 38C or 39C. The current June record is 35.6C.

Significantly more people will likely visit coastal areas, lakes and rivers, leading to an increased risk of water safety incidents.

Dr Will Lang, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “We are forecasting extreme temperatures in the next few days, particularly on Wednesday and Thursday, when it looks like we’ll be seeing maximum temperatures into the high 30s.

“But also we are stressing very high overnight temperatures which will be very uncomfortable for vulnerable groups, and very humid conditions as well.”

The Met Office said people can also expect travel disruptions, including delays on roads and road closures as well as delays and cancellations to rail and air travel.

The AA said drivers could also see gritters out on some roads this week with the potential for surfaces to soften or become sticky under the heat, with heavy traffic even causing them to rut in some places.

The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) said it has written to all its members with guidance on dealing with the heat this week, including impact on pupils and staff, legal positions and when to consider closure.

Paul Whiteman, NAHT general secretary, said: “While there is no legal `upper limit’ for temperature in schools, (school leaders) will certainly be doing all they can to mitigate the effects of such high temperatures.”

Scientists said the cause of the heatwave is similar to the “heat dome” seen last month, which involves a “high-pressure” weather system stalling over a region and trapping heat.

UKHSA guidance on staying safe in the heat includes:

• Keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
• Look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated such as older people, those with underlying conditions and people who live alone are particularly at risk
• Stay cool indoors by closing curtains on rooms that face the sun
• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
• Never leave children or animals in a closed, parked vehicle
• Check that fridges, freezers and fans are working properly
• Try to avoid direct sunligh 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
• Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat if you have to go out in the heat
• Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day
• Make sure you take water with you if you are travelling
• Take care and make sure to follow local safety advice if you are going into the water to cool down
• Check medicines can be stored according to the instructions on the packaging