…By Henry George for TDPel Media.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has raised the heat-health warning from yellow to amber for certain regions in England, anticipating the arrival of the hottest day of the year.
In a statement, the UKHSA cautioned that the health impact of high temperatures could affect the “wider population” and have implications across the entire healthcare system.
Initially, a yellow alert was issued on Wednesday for six English regions, including London, the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, South East, and South West.
However, the warning was escalated on Thursday for the West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England, South East, and South West.
The North East, North West, and Yorkshire and Humber regions also received a yellow alert from the UKHSA.
Precautionary Measures and Thunderstorm Warning
Britons have been urged to check on vulnerable relatives and minimize sun exposure during the hottest time of the day, typically between 11 am and 3 pm.
In addition to the heat warning, the Met Office has issued a yellow thunderstorm warning for large portions of England and Wales on Saturday.
Despite temperatures reaching a high of 24°C in London, “thundery showers” are expected.
Saturday is predicted to be the warmest day, with temperatures anticipated to reach 27°C or 28°C, and a slight possibility of reaching 30°C in areas north of London.
Changing Weather Patterns and Alert Duration
These warnings come after several weeks of prolonged high pressure, resulting in abundant sunshine and high temperatures.
However, as the high pressure system shifts northward, the UK is expected to experience even higher temperatures, accompanied by thunderstorms, hail, and rainfall in central and southern England as well as Wales.
The alerts will remain in effect from 9 am on Friday until 9 am on Monday, June 12.