The Met Office is issuing an urgent health warning as temperatures soar to 30C

The UK’s Met Office and Health Security Agency issued a 62-hour emergency health alert this morning (July 26) from Sunday (July 28). Temperatures are set to rise over the weekend as the summer holidays begin, but officials are concerned it could affect health issues.

The alert warned that vulnerable people could be at a much higher risk of dying and the health service could be overwhelmed. In the alert, the Met Office and UKHSA said: “There is the potential to see significant impacts on the health and social care sector due to high temperatures, including the observed increase in mortality among the population, likely, particularly in the over 65s years. group or those with health conditions.

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“Effects can also be seen in younger age groups; increased demand for likely remote healthcare services; indoor temperatures in care facilities (hospitals and nursing homes) may exceed the recommended threshold for clinical risk assessment; impact on the ability of services to be provided due to possible heat effects on the workforce and many indoor environments likely to overheat, leading to increased risk for vulnerable people living independently in the community as well as in care settings. “

The alert has been issued for much of England – particularly Yorkshire and The Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East and South West and is in place between 9am on Monday 29 July , and Wednesday, July 31. at 11pm, YorkshireLive broadcasts.

The heat is forecast to reach 30C on Monday (July 29) in some areas of the UK, meaning people they are asked to take extra precautions, including checking on elderly relatives and neighbors.

The Met Office says the main health risks posed by a heatwave are lack of water (dehydration), overheating, which can worsen symptoms for people who already have heart or breathing problems, and heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which are potentially serious. conditions that can occur if you become too hot.

Here are the top ways to stay safe when extreme heat arrives:

• Attention to those who struggle to keep cool and hydrated. The elderly, those with underlying conditions and those living alone are particularly at risk.

• If you live alone, ask a relative or friend to call to check if you have any difficulties during periods of extreme heat.

• Keep cool indoors: Close the curtains of rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler, and remember that it can be colder outdoors than indoors.

• If you go outdoors, use cool spaces carefully.

• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol.

• Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, small children or animals.

• Try to stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, when UV rays are strongest.

• Avoid physical exertion during the hottest moments of the day.

• Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat if you must go out in the heat.

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