Temperatures are set to soar in Cumbria until Monday.
An amber heat health alert has been issued for all regions of England by the UK Health Security Agency and the Met Office.
The alert was issued from noon yesterday, Thursday June 19, to 9am on Monday June 23.
The Met Office has forecast temperatures exceeding 30°C.
An amber alert means that weather impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service.
There may be some health impacts across the wider population and an increase in risk to health for people over 65 years or those with pre-existing health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: “We have already seen warm weather across the week, and temperatures are set to increase in the coming days, exceeding 30°c in many areas.
“Our findings show that heat can result in serious health outcomes across the population, especially for older adults or those with pre-existing health conditions. It is therefore important to check on friends, family and neighbours who are more vulnerable and to take sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.”
Deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley added: “The highest temperatures from this hot spell are forecast for Saturday, with low 30s Celsius fairly widely across England, and up to 34°C possible in eastern areas.
“Despite this, the more uncomfortable heat will be in northern and western areas initially, where despite somewhat lower temperatures the air will be more humid.”
The nights will also be quite warm, with the possibility of temperatures not falling below 20°C in some areas, making it hard to sleep. This is what we term a ‘tropical night’.
Temperatures will ease from the west on Sunday as fresher air arrives from the Atlantic.
There are additional ways in which you can keep yourself and others safe during periods of hot weather, such as:
- Keeping your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
- If you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing, such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, and seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly
- Keeping out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm
- If you are going to do a physical activity (for example, exercising or walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler, such as the morning or evening
- Knowing the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them
Network Rail has urged people planning to travel on trains to check ahead of their journey.
It said: “Teams from across Network Rail are prepared and ready to manage the impact of hot weather and respond to any issues.
“Hot weather can cause track temperatures to reach more than 20 degrees above air temperature, so in some locations, temporary speed restrictions may be needed to allow trains to continue to run safely.”
And the NHS has warned people to take precautions.
Dr Gareth Wallis, medical director for system improvement and professional standards, for NHS England in the North West, said: “We just want to make sure people have all the information they need to stay safe by taking precautions to keep well and avoid putting pressure on services.
“Staying out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm can lower the risk of becoming unwell, and if you are going to do a physical activity, for example exercise or walking the dog, plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler such as the morning or evening.”
Dr Wallis also suggested drinking plenty of fluids, applying sunscreen, and limiting alcohol intake.
He added: “Hot weather can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, lung problems, and other diseases. Older people, babies and young children are more likely to become unwell in hot weather because their bodies are less able to regulate temperature. People with underlying medical conditions can also be vulnerable to the effects of hot weather.”
People who are at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell include:
- Older people aged 65 years and over (note change from previous guidance of 75 years of age and above)
- Babies and young children aged 5 years and under
- People with underlying health conditions particularly heart problems, breathing problems, dementia, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease, or mobility problems
- People on certain medications
- People with serious mental health problems
- People who are already ill and dehydrated (for example from diarrhoea and vomiting)
- People who experience alcohol or drug dependence
- People who are physically active and spend a lot of time outside such as runners, cyclists, and walkers
- People who work in jobs that require manual labour or extensive time outside
- People experiencing homelessness, including rough sleepers and those who are unable to make adaptations to their living accommodation such as sofa surfers or living in hostels.
- People who live alone and may be unable to care for themselves
