UK health agency issues amber heat alert for London

The warning is in place for London and other parts of the UK between 12pm today (September 5) and 9pm on Sunday (September 10).

The Met Office has said temperatures could be 4C hotter than the Spanish island and British temperatures could also be warmer than Ayia Napa in Cyprus (30C) and Athens in Greece, where it could be 27C on Thursday.

The UK Health Security Agency has said that significant impacts are “probable” across the health and social care sector due to the high temperatures, including:

– Observed increase in mortality across the population likely, particularly in the 65+ age group or those with health conditions, but impacts may also be seen in younger age groups.

– Increased demand for remote health care services likely; internal temperatures in care settings (hospitals and care homes) may exceed recommended threshold for clinical risk assessment.

– Impact on ability of services to be delivered due to heat affects on workforce possible and many indoor environments likely to be overheating, risk to vulnerable people living independently in community as well as in care settings.

– Medicines management issues; staffing issues due to external factors (e.g., transport)

– Cross system demand for temporary AC capacity exceeded possible and other sectors starting to be observe impacts (e.g., travel delays).

The London boroughs will see a deal of dry, fine, and humid weather, with temperatures steadily increasing through the remainder of this week and probably into the weekend.

Overnight temperatures also very warm through the week, perhaps tropical conditions for some areas.

Forecast in full

Today

Any early mist and fog will soon clear leading to another dry day with long spells of sunshine. Very warm inland but a fresh breeze taking the edge off the temperatures, particularly along the coast. Maximum temperature 31°C.

Tonight

Staying clear for many, but some isolated areas of low cloud, mist and fog developing overnight to give a murky start for some. Staying very warm and humid. Minimum temperature 18 °C.

Wednesday

Any early mist and low cloud burning off quickly through the morning, then fine dry and hot once again. Lighter winds. Maximum temperature 32 °C.

Outlook for Thursday to Saturday

Predominantly dry and hot with long sunny spells throughout. Some overnight mist and fog remains possible and very warm and humid by night.