The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has prolonged its amber heat-health alert for large swathes of England, extending it by an additional 24 hours. The alert, initially set to expire on Saturday, will now remain in force until 5pm on Sunday evening, encompassing regions including the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, South East, and South West.
This extension comes as forecasters indicate a strong possibility of temperatures challenging, and potentially exceeding, the existing May record. The current highest temperature recorded in May stands at 27.5C, set in 2022. The Met Office has highlighted that sustained high temperatures are expected across these areas, increasing the risk to public health, particularly for vulnerable groups.
An amber alert signifies that 'impacts are likely to be felt across the health and social care sector due to the high temperatures, with a significant risk to those who are vulnerable'. This includes older people, individuals with pre-existing health conditions, and very young children. The UKHSA advises the public to take precautions such as staying hydrated, avoiding direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day, and keeping homes as cool as possible.
The prolonged heatwave is also expected to place additional strain on public services. Transport networks may experience disruptions due to heat-related issues, while emergency services could see an increase in calls related to heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Employers with outdoor workers are urged to review their safety protocols to protect staff from the risks associated with working in high temperatures.
While Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Health, Wes Streeting, has not issued a direct statement on this specific extension, the opposition has previously called for greater government preparedness for extreme weather events, emphasising the need for resilient public services and clear public health messaging during heatwaves.
The Met Office continues to monitor the situation closely, providing updated forecasts and warnings. The public is encouraged to stay informed through official channels and follow health advice to mitigate the risks posed by the extended period of hot weather.