The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued the first yellow heat-health alert of the year, in effect from 9pm on Thursday 12 June to 8am on Sunday 15 June. The alert covers the
East of England, East Midlands, London, and South East regions.
The Met Office forecasts temperatures reaching up to 30°C on Friday. While these temperatures may seem moderate, UKHSA data indicates they can still pose health risks, particularly for vulnerable individuals and healthcare systems.
Under the UKHSA and Met Office’s Weather-Health alert system, a yellow alert signals a likelihood of:
Increased demand on healthcare services from vulnerable populations
Greater health risks for people aged 65 and over, or those with existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions
Dr. Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, emphasized:
“Even moderate heat can lead to serious health issues, especially for older adults. It’s crucial to take sensible precautions and check in on those more vulnerable to ensure they’re informed and protected.”
How to stay safe in hot weather
Keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains facing the sun
When outdoors, wear light clothing, a hat and sunglasses, seek shade, and apply sunscreen regularly
Avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day (11am–3pm)
Schedule physical activities, like exercise or walking your dog, for the cooler parts of the day (morning or evening)
Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and what actions to take. Photo by Alisdare Hickson, Wikimedia commons.
