London is experiencing its second day of temperatures reaching 30°C as a significant heatwave continues to grip the region. Forecasts from the Met Office predict highs of 30°C in London, with the east of England and the Midlands expected to reach around 28°C. Temperatures are expected to peak on Monday, marking the height of this heatwave.

An amber heat health alert has been issued for much of England, including London, by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office. This alert, in place until 18:00 BST on Tuesday, signals a heightened level of concern due to the health impacts that can arise as a consequence of sustained high temperatures. The alert warns that the heatwave is likely to place significant pressure on health and social care services, with a rise in heat-related deaths particularly among those aged 65 and older and individuals with existing health conditions. The UKHSA advises the public to take sensible precautions, such as staying hydrated, keeping cool, and checking on vulnerable people.

This amber alert is the second within two weeks, emphasising the severity and persistence of the current hot weather. Temperatures in London have already reached above 30°C, with recent records hitting around 32°C in certain areas like Kew in west London. The heatwave’s highest temperatures are predicted to occur over the weekend, with some areas potentially seeing highs up to 34°C by Saturday.

The Heat-Health Alerting system, which is a collaboration between UKHSA and the Met Office, operates from June to September and is designed to inform health and social care professionals, as well as the public, about periods of high temperature that could impact health. The system uses four levels of alert—Green, Yellow, Amber, and Red—depending on the severity of the heat and the expected impact on health services. The current amber alert represents an enhanced response, indicating significant risks to public health and the healthcare sector.

Officials emphasise vigilance during this period of hot weather. The head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA has encouraged people not only to take care of their own wellbeing but also to look out for others who may be more vulnerable to heat-related illness. The consequences of heatwaves are not limited to discomfort; they include increased hospital admissions and mortality rates, especially among elderly and vulnerable populations.

As the heatwave unfolds, residents in London and across England are urged to heed warnings, adopt preventative measures, and stay informed through official channels to mitigate health risks posed by this extreme weather event.

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Source: Noah Wire Services