Amber heat-health alerts have been issued for most of England as temperatures could climb to 36C or higher this week, with more than 25 million people also facing water use restrictions amid drought conditions.
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Key facts
- Amber alerts cover nine regions in England, in place from 9am Tuesday until 9pm Friday
- Temperatures could reach 36C or higher this week
- More than 25 million people face restrictions on water use, according to the Environment Agency
- Sunday was the 34th day this year temperatures exceeded 30C somewhere in the UK, equalling a 1995 record
- An 18-year-old died at Camber Sands, bringing open-water deaths this summer to over 40
Amber heat-health alerts have been issued for most of England as temperatures could reach 36C or higher this week, according to the Guardian. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) updated the alerts for nine regions, warning that rising temperatures may increase health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups.
The upgraded alerts are in place from 9am on Tuesday until 9pm on Friday. Temperatures are forecast to rise above 30C across central and southern parts of the country over the coming days, with generally hot weather expected across most regions of England.
The hot spell coincides with drought conditions. More than 25 million people face restrictions on water use, according to the Environment Agency, with millions under hosepipe bans, including all South East Water and Thames Water customers.
Another record is likely to be broken this week. Sunday was the 34th day this year on which temperatures exceeded 30C somewhere in the UK, equalling the record set in 1995.
Authorities warned that such temperatures can result in serious health outcomes across the population, particularly for those who are vulnerable, such as the elderly or people with serious health conditions. Officials urged the public to take sensible precautions, including drinking plenty of water, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day and keeping indoor spaces cool.
The heat has also brought tragedy in open water. An 18-year-old died after getting into difficulty in the sea at Camber Sands beach in East Sussex, bringing the number of deaths in open-water incidents over the hot, dry summer to more than 40, according to estimates compiled by the Press Association.
Why it matters
Extreme heat poses serious health risks, especially for the elderly and those with existing conditions, and the alerts signal that the coming days could push already-vulnerable people into danger. With water restrictions affecting tens of millions and a growing number of open-water deaths, the heatwave highlights the wider strain that repeated hot, dry weather is placing on the UK.
Frequently asked questions
When are the amber heat-health alerts in place?
The upgraded alerts are in place from 9am on Tuesday until 9pm on Friday, according to the Guardian, covering nine regions in England.
How can people stay safe during the hot weather?
The UKHSA advises drinking plenty of water, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day and keeping indoor spaces cool to help keep yourself and others safe.
How many people are affected by water restrictions?
More than 25 million people face restrictions on water use, according to the Environment Agency, including hosepipe bans affecting all South East Water and Thames Water customers.
Timeline
- ‘Extreme heat’ warning issued for parts of England on Thursday as temperatures could reach 38C – latest news
The Guardian World: Met Office says this warning will likely cause ‘adverse’ health effects with travel and power generation also possibly affected There’s only one solution in the end to the drought now declared across most of England and that’s rain, says Hannah Cloke, professor of hydrology at th
- Amber heat-health alerts issued for most of England as temperatures could reach 36C or higher this week – as it happened
The Guardian World: The upgraded alerts will be in place from 9am on Tuesday until 9pm on Friday An 18-year-old died after getting into difficulty in the sea at Camber Sands beach, East Sussex, yesterday, bringing the number of deaths in open-water incidents over the hot, dry summer to over 40, acco
- Amber heat-health alerts issued for most of England as temperatures could reach 36C or higher this week – latest updates
The Guardian World: The upgraded alerts will be in place from 9am on Tuesday until 6pm on Wednesday More than 25 million people face restrictions on water use, according to the Environment Agency, with millions under hosepipe bans , including all South East Water and Thames Water customers. Another