Heat health alerts have been issued for large parts of England later this week as temperatures are set to soar as high as 32C. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued seven yellow heat health alerts which come into force at 12:00pm on Wednesday and last until 6pm on Sunday. The affected areas include Yorkshire and The Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, East England, South East, South West, and London. While the alert is the lowest level, it still warns of potential impacts on health and social services.

The UKHSA's weather health alert system serves as an early warning to the health and social care sector when adverse temperatures are likely to affect the well-being of the population. The Met Office predicts temperatures to rise to 27C on Tuesday and Wednesday, 29C on Thursday, 30C by Friday, and peak at 33C on Sunday. An official heatwave is declared when certain temperatures are sustained for three consecutive days, varying from 25C to 28C in different regions.

Excluding Yorkshire and the Humber, the affected areas have been assigned a risk score of 10 out of 16, indicating that significant impacts are possible due to the high temperatures. The UKHSA has cautioned that high temperatures may lead to an increase in deaths, particularly among individuals over 65 or with underlying health conditions. Younger age groups could also be at risk, with a potential surge in demand for health services and indoor environments becoming overheated, posing a risk to vulnerable individuals.

Dr. Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, emphasized the importance of taking precautions during hot weather, especially for older adults. He urged the public to check on vulnerable friends, family, or neighbors to ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following necessary advice. Additionally, the London Fire Brigade has issued a warning about wildfires ahead of the upcoming hot weather, following an exceptionally dry spring.

Charlie Pugsley, deputy commissioner for operational policy, prevention, and protection, highlighted the increased risk of grass fires during extended periods of hot and dry weather. He noted that dry grass can fuel rapid fire spread, citing examples from London, California, and South Korea. It is crucial for everyone to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to stay safe during the heatwave.