A HEAT health alert has been issued across most of England today.
The Met Office has warned healthcare services will be under increased demand as temperatures soar to 29C (84F) in some parts of the country.
Sun-lovers flock to Boardmasters Festival surf competition at Fistral Beach in Cornwall todayRex
The strain on services will coincide with a four-day junior doctors strike that will put even more pressure on the NHS from tomorrow, with temperatures staying in the high 20s.
Officials warned vulnerable people — like the elderly — could be at greater risk of death and indoor environments will become “very warm”.
The yellow alert has been issued across London, the South East, South West, East of England, West Midlands, East Midlands and Yorkshire and the Humber.
It has been in place since midday today and will finish at 9am on Saturday, August 12.
Met Office meteorologist Simon Partridge said: “Thursday is a mostly dry day.
“There could be a little bit of mist and fog around first thing, particularly across southwestern parts of England, but generally sunny spells through the day and mostly dry.
“We could get a few showers developing in the afternoon across northern parts of Wales, drifting up across north-west England.
“The odd rumble of thunder is possible but they are very few and far between.
“The big thing is obviously the temperatures. Temperature wise for Thursday we are looking at many parts of England, Wales and southern Scotland reaching the mid 20s.”
Mr Partridge continued: “We could see highs of 27C to 28C, possibly 29C somewhere in eastern England. Midlands or East Midlands.
“Somewhere around the central parts of the UK is where you could see the highest temperature of a possible 29C.”
The UKHSA said it expects to see an “increased use of health care services by the vulnerable population”.
The temperatures will also “increase the risk of mortality amongst vulnerable individuals”, officials said.
Thousands of junior doctors will walkout from hospitals tomorrow for the fifth round of strikes.
A total 2,803 people aged over 65 died due to the heat in England in 2022, when temperatures exceed 40C for the first time on record.
Yellow alerts are issued during periods of heat or cold which are “likely to impact most people but could impact those who are particularly vulnerable”.
Ways to keep safe in the hot weather
Check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell, and if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you
Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them
Keep 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 exercise or walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler such as the morning or evening
Keep 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, seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly
Drink plenty of fluids and limit your alcohol intake