Amber heat health alert issued across UK as 34C highs risk 'danger to life'

An amber health alert has been issued across multiple regions in the UK, with Brits warned sizzling temperatures could overwhelm all health and social care services - and result in a rise in deaths among those vulnerable.

The UKHSA says hot weather is likely to cause significant impacts to at least seven regions, with two seperate alerts issued from 12pm on Friday, June 27 until 6pm on Tuesday, July 1. It comes as conditions in the UK are about to turn blisteringly hot in the coming days, with temperatures expected to hit a scorching 34C in London by Monday afternoon. An amber heat health alert will be in place across the East Midlands, East of England, London, South East and South West, while a yellow heat health alert has been issued for Yorkshire and The Humber and the West Midlands.

Brits are now being warned to keep safe as scorching temperatures are likely to impact health and social care services, which could see a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over, or those with health conditions, the UKHSA says. There may also be impacts on younger age groups.

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The health agency warns there may be several other impacts of the upcoming scorcher, including:

• likely increased demand on all health and social care services
• temperatures inside hospitals and care homes may exceed the recommended threshold for clinical risk assessment
• the heat affecting the ability of the workforce to deliver services
• indoor environments overheating increasing the risk to vulnerable people living alone in community and care settings
• issues managing medicines
• staffing issues due to external factors (for example, affecting transport)
• increased demand for power exceeding capacity
• other sectors starting to observe impacts (for example, travel delays)

The warning comes as temperatures are on a sharp upward climb across the UK, with the heat building steadily over the next few days. On Friday June 27, London will reach 26C, while Cardiff will see 22C and Manchester, 23C, according to the Met Office. Scotland is expected to stay cooler, with temperatures in the high teens. By Saturday, the heat is set to intensify. London is expected to climb to 28C, Manchester to 24C, and Aberdeen will even warm up to 22C, with Glasgow at 19C. The mercury will continue to rise on Sunday, with London hitting 30C and conditions heating up across much of the country.

Monday is expected to bring peak heat, with London soaring to 34C, Manchester and Cardiff both at 27C, Plymouth at 24C, and Glasgow and Aberdeen at 20C and 19C respectively. While it cools slightly on Tuesday, July 1, the UKHSA’s amber and yellow heat alert remains in place throughout this period.

The health agency has asked Brits to refer to their guide on staying safe during hot weather.