Urgent heat warning issued by Public Health England

Public Health England has issued a heat warning encouraging vulnerable people to take care during the exceptionally hot weather forecast this week.

People ‘shielding’ indoors from COVID-19, older people, those with underlying health conditions, and very young children are all more vulnerable from the higher temperatures.

Emer OConnell, Consultant in Public Health at Public Health England said: “Most of us look forward to the warmer weather but some people may find it more difficult to cope with these higher temperatures. Older people, those with underlying health conditions and very young children are more at risk in hot weather.

“This summer, many of us are spending more time at home due to COVID-19, especially those who are shielding as they are at high risk of developing severe infection. It is important that we continue to check up on older people, and those with underlying health conditions, particularly if they are living alone and may be socially isolated as we know that a lot of homes can overheat.

“You will need to do things differently this year, for example keeping in touch by phone. If you need to provide direct care to someone at risk from hot weather, follow government guidance on how to do this safely. The most important advice is to ensure they stay hydrated, keep cool and know how to keep their homes cool.”

Health Minister Jo Churchill said: “With plenty of sunshine and soaring temperatures expected over the coming days, many of us across the UK will be outside making the most of the fantastic weather while following the social distancing rules.

“It’s important, however, to make sure you stay safe in the sun: apply sunscreen regularly, stay hydrated, and protect your head from the sun. Look out for those who are vulnerable in the heat, and provide support where needed, continuing to follow social distancing guidance.”

At the same time the Met Office has raised its heat health warning level for parts of the UK.

The Met Office had previously issued a Heat Health alert to Level Two warning – but this has now been raised to three for parts of the Midlands.

However, the national weather forecaster has issued a two day thunderstorm, flash flood and hail warning for Devon and Cornwall, that coincides with the current heatwave.

The ‘Amber’ level three warning urges people take ‘heatwave action’ and is triggered when the Met Office confirms threshold temperatures for one of more regions have been reached for one day and the following night, and the forecast for the next day has a greater than 90% confidence level that the day threshold temperature will be met.

“This stage requires social and healthcare services to target specific actions at high-risk groups,” says the Met Office.

Health authorities are encouraging those most vulnerable – many of whom have been shielding during the lockdown – to protect themselves amid the “exceptionally hot weather forecast this week”.