An amber heat-health alert has been issued for the first time this year in parts of the country, including the West Midlands.

The warning, issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office, is in force throughout the weekend and covers five regions of England and will remain in place until 9am on Tuesday, June 13.

The decision to move to an amber alert has been made due to latest Met Office forecasts, which indicate there is a high likelihood that forecasted temperatures will be reached rapidly over the weekend in these regions, while we are also likely to see high overnight temperatures.

An amber alert indicates that weather impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service, and at this level we may begin to see some health impacts across the wider population, not just the most vulnerable.

 

These are the English regions currently subject to the amber warning:

  • West Midlands
  • East Midlands
  • East of England
  • South East
  • South West

Shropshire Council has warned residents to take care in the hot temperatures.

A spokesperson said: "An amber heat-health alert has been issued by UK Health Security Agency and the Met Office for the West Midlands.

"This alert means that we can expect increased temperatures and humidity."

They have also urged people to:

Keep an eye on anyone who is isolated, over 65, ill or very young and make sure they can keep cool too.

Keep cool indoors by closing curtains and opening windows if it is safe. It is sometimes cooler sitting in a park under a tree than in a home that is too hot.

Check weather forecasts and travel with bottled water, apply sunscreen often and protect yourself from the sun during the hottest hours of the day, between 11am and 3pm.

A yellow alert has also been issued in the North East, North West and Yorkshire and Humber regions of England. London remains at this level. Both alerts remain in place from 9am on Friday 9 June to 9am on Monday 12 June.

Under the new HHA system introduced by UKHSA and the Met Office, a yellow alert means that any impacts include the increased use of health care services by vulnerable populations and an increase in risk to health for individuals over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

There is also the potential for indoor environments, including health and care settings, to become very warm.

OTHER NEWS:

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “In the coming days we are likely to experience our first sustained period of hot weather of the year so far, so it’s important that everyone ensures they keep hydrated and cool while enjoying the sun.

“Forecasted temperatures this week will primarily impact those over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

“If you have friends, family or neighbours who you know are more vulnerable to the effects of hot weather, it is important you check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice.”

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Dan Harris, Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, added: “Temperatures will rise later this week and into the weekend, with a plume of warm air being drawn in from the south.

“Temperatures over the weekend could peak around 30°C in some parts of England and remain well above average overnight through the weekend.

“Coupled with the rise in temperatures is an increase in the likelihood of some potentially heavy and thundery showers, which could bring some localised disruption for some from late on Friday and into the weekend, though it is not possible to be definitive about exact details this far from the potential event.”