A YELLOW heat health alert is in place for large parts of England over the weekend.
Officials warn essential health services could be put under more strain due to the warm weather.
AlamyThe hot weather has seen a yellow health heat warning put in place for most of England. Pictured: Fistral beach in Newquay, Cornwall[/caption]
The yellow warning covers the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East and South West.
It came into effect yesterday (August 16) and will last until 9am on Saturday (August 19).
Older and vulnerable people’s health is at greater risk and they could need to use more NHS services.
The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) says yellow alerts mean that any impacts include the increased use of health care services by vulnerable populations.
Risk to health – for example, heat stroke – increases for individuals over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Indoor environments are also likely to “overheat”, the agency added.
During these warmer times, it’s important to look out for those who are more at risk, especially those who live alone.
It comes as the Met Office predicts sunshine and thunderstorms for the next few days.
After a wet summer, the heat will rise to 30C in some parts of the country, finally bringing some rays to the country.
Today (Friday) will be warm, dry and sunny for most of the UK, with the odd shower.
However, the higher humidity will bring thunderstorms across most of the UK from Friday.
Then, things should start to look up again once more, with clearer skies on Saturday.
Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Harris, said: “We are likely to see the warmest weather on Friday and Saturday, with low to mid 20s widely and a peak of 29C most probable in the southeast; at this stage the odd 30 Celsius here on Friday cannot be ruled out.
“A frontal system arriving into the west and southwest later on Friday, which could be preceded by thunderstorms, does complicate matters somewhat; after a very muggy night in the southeast overnight into Saturday.”
How to stay safe in the hot weather
The following tips are from the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA)
There are a few very simple things we can all to do stay safe when we experience very high temperatures.
Look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated – older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk
Stay cool indoors by closing curtains on rooms that face the sun – and remember that it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
Check that fridges, freezers and fans are working properly
Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest
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