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Sky News
9 hours ago
- Climate
- Sky News
UK weather: Amber heat health alert issued across England as hottest day of the year recorded
An amber heat health alert has been issued across England, as the UK recorded its hottest day of the year so far. According to the Met Office's latest forecasts, much of the south of England had been due to see temperatures of between 31C (87.8F) and 32C by Thursday afternoon, with temperatures above 20C across almost all of the UK. Just before 3pm, temperatures in Wisley, Surrey, reached 30.8C (87.44F) - making Thursday the hottest day of the year so far and beating the 29.4C (85F) recorded last Friday in Suffolk. That record is likely to be broken in the next few days, with temperatures forecast to hit highs of 33C (91F) by this weekend. The UK Health Security Agency's (UKHSA) latest heat health warnings for England include all regions, and are in effect from midday on Thursday to 9am on Monday. The amber alert indicates that "significant impacts are likely" across health and social care services, and warns there could be "a rise in deaths" among people with pre-existing health conditions and those aged over 65. A heatwave is officially declared when temperatures exceed a certain level for three days in a row. Thresholds vary from 25C to 28C (77F to 82F) across the UK. According to the Met Office, it will get progressively warmer as the week progresses - with the heat peaking on Sunday. Deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley said thundery showers may be possible heading into Saturday morning, with "tropical nights" a possibility as parts of the UK approach heatwave territory. Charities have also issued warnings about the potential risks of hotter weather, and the Local Government Association, which represents councils in England and Wales, has urged people to check in on vulnerable neighbours. It comes after the Met Office said this week that there is a 50:50 chance of temperatures reaching up to 40C or more again in the next 12 years. Temperatures first hit 40C in the UK during a record-breaking heatwave in 2022, peaking at 40.3C in Coningsby in Lincolnshire on 19 July. The previous top temperature was 38.7C in Cambridge, recorded in 2019. The extreme heat caused dozens of fires, which ripped through houses, schools, churches and farmland, with fire brigades in London, Leicestershire and South Yorkshire declaring major incidents at the time. More than 3,000 heat-related deaths were recorded in England over summer 2022, including more than 1,000 excess deaths among older people around the four-day peak of the heatwave.
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Britain swelters in 30C heatwave before hottest day of year, in photos
An amber heat-health alert has been issued for all regions in England as the UK could record a new high for the warmest day of the year on Thursday. Eastern parts of Wales, the Midlands and the south-east of England could reach 30C, which would break the current record for 2025 of 29.4C set days ago in Santon Downham in Suffolk. UV and pollen levels are also expected to climb alongside temperatures. The amber alert issued by the UK Health Security Agency is in force from 12pm on Thursday until 9am on Monday. It warns 'significant impacts are likely' across health and social care services because of high temperatures, including a rise in deaths – particularly among those aged 65 and over or people with health conditions. An official heatwave is recorded when areas reach a certain temperature for three consecutive days, with thresholds varying from 25C to 28C in different parts of the UK.
The Independent
11 hours ago
- Climate
- The Independent
Amber heat-health alert issued for all regions in England as temperatures climb
An amber heat-health alert has been issued for all regions in England as the UK could record a new high for the warmest day of the year on Thursday. Eastern parts of Wales, the Midlands and the south-east of England could reach 30C, which would break the current record for 2025 of 29.4C set days ago in Santon Downham in Suffolk. UV and pollen levels are also expected to climb alongside temperatures. The amber alert issued by the UK Health Security Agency is in force from 12pm on Thursday until 9am on Monday. It warns 'significant impacts are likely' across health and social care services because of high temperatures, including a rise in deaths – particularly among those aged 65 and over or people with health conditions. An official heatwave is recorded when areas reach a certain temperature for three consecutive days, with thresholds varying from 25C to 28C in different parts of the UK. Met Office meteorologist Clare Nasir said: 'High UV levels and high levels of pollen as well. 'Winds remain fairly light and a warmer day all round across the east coast as temperatures arrive around 24C, but 28C for Liverpool, Leeds, 23C for Glasgow and Edinburgh, Belfast coming in around 24C, 28C likely across Bristol as well as Cardiff. 'But for east Wales, the Midlands, down towards the South East we could see temperatures peaking around 30C, so feeling hot here.' A number of charities have issued warnings about the potential risks of hotter weather. St John Ambulance urged the public to familiarise themselves with the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and to learn how to respond. It comes after a survey of 1,002 adults in England revealed more than half do not know the difference between 'life-threatening' heat stroke, which requires a 999 call, and heat exhaustion, which can be treated by cooling and hydrating a patient. The British Heart Foundation is encouraging people with heart conditions to take precautions such as staying cool and keeping hydrated to minimise potential health risks during a heatwave, saying the heat can put extra strain on the heart. Age UK urged people to check in on older relatives, friends, and neighbours to see if they need anything and to make sure they are not feeling overwhelmed by the excessive heat. Dementia UK issued advice and tips on how to support a loved one with dementia in the heat, including keeping hydrated; staying cool with appropriate clothing; keeping the person out of the heat; cooling the person down by avoiding hot drinks, alcohol and caffeine; and keeping the home environment cool. RAC breakdown spokeswoman person Alice Simpson warned drivers should 'take every precaution' in the heat. 'When temperatures soar, vehicle breakdowns usually do the same,' she said. 'One of the biggest risks is an increase in cars overheating, especially when sat in queues of traffic with no shade.' Ms Simpson urged drivers to check their coolant levels and any air conditioning systems that are not working properly, and to take plenty of water and snacks on the road.
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
UK weather: Amber heat health alert issued across England - with 'rise in deaths likely'
An amber heat health alert has been issued across England, as temperatures are expected to reach above 30C today. According to the Met Office's latest forecasts, much of the south of England will see temperatures between 31C (87.8F) and 32C by Thursday afternoon, with temperatures above 20C across almost all of the UK. It would make for the hottest day of the year so far, beating the 29.4C (85F) recorded last Friday in Suffolk and coming after record-breaking spring heat. Check the weather forecast where you are By this weekend, temperatures are forecast to hit highs of 33C (91F). The UK Health Security Agency's (UKHSA) latest heat health warnings for England include all regions, and are in effect from midday on Thursday to 9am on Monday. The amber alert indicates that "significant impacts are likely" across health and social care services, and warns there could be "a rise in deaths" among people with pre-existing health conditions and those aged over 65. Read more: A heatwave is officially declared when temperatures exceed a certain level for three days in a row. Thresholds vary from 25C to 28C (77F to 82F) across the UK. According to the Met Office, it will get progressively warmer as the week progresses - with the heat peaking on Sunday. Deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley said thundery showers may be possible heading into Saturday morning, with "tropical nights" a possibility as parts of the UK approach heatwave territory. This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the latest version. You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.
Sky News
13 hours ago
- Climate
- Sky News
UK weather: Amber heat health alert issued across England - with 'rise in deaths likely'
An amber heat health alert has been issued across England, as temperatures are expected to reach above 30C today. According to the Met Office's latest forecasts, much of the south of England will see temperatures between 31C (87.8F) and 32C by Thursday afternoon, with temperatures above 20C across almost all of the UK. It would make for the hottest day of the year so far, beating the 29.4C (85F) recorded last Friday in Suffolk and coming after record-breaking spring heat. By this weekend, temperatures are forecast to hit highs of 33C (91F). The UK Health Security Agency's (UKHSA) latest heat health warnings for England include all regions, and are in effect from midday on Thursday to 9am on Monday. The amber alert indicates that "significant impacts are likely" across health and social care services, and warns there could be "a rise in deaths" among people with pre-existing health conditions and those aged over 65. A heatwave is officially declared when temperatures exceed a certain level for three days in a row. Thresholds vary from 25C to 28C (77F to 82F) across the UK. According to the Met Office, it will get progressively warmer as the week progresses - with the heat peaking on Sunday. Deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley said thundery showers may be possible heading into Saturday morning, with "tropical nights" a possibility as parts of the UK approach heatwave territory. Please refresh the page for the latest version.
