Heat-health warnings issued for six areas of England ahead of sweltering weekend

The UK Health Security Agency and the Met Office have issued the joint warnings to six regions in England.

People have been warned temperatures could reach 30C over the weekend (Andrew Matthews/PA) (PA Wire)

Six heat-health warnings have been issued across England for the weekend.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office have issued a yellow heat-health alert to six regions in England: London, the south east, East Midlands, West Midlands, east of England, and Yorkshire and the Humber.

The alert will be in place from midday on Friday until 9am on Sunday, with the Met Office forecasting temperatures of 27C to 28C on Friday before they rise to 30C in parts of the country on Saturday.

Forecasters predict the high temperatures to be short-lived, with thunderstorms following the heatwave but, should the high temperatures be reached, it is likely there will be an impact on the health and social care sector.

If you have friends, family or neighbours who are more vulnerable, it is important to check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice

Agostinho Sousa, UKHSA

A yellow warning from the UKHSA means it is likely there will be an increase in the use of health care services by the vulnerable and an increase in risk to health for individuals over 65 or those who have pre-existing health conditions.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: “This weekend, it’s important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.

“The forecasted high temperatures are expected to be short-lived, but could primarily impact those over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions.

“If you have friends, family or neighbours who are more vulnerable, it is important to check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice.”

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Harris said: “Temperatures will be on the rise from Friday, with a plume of continental air allowing temperatures to reach, and perhaps locally exceed, 30C in parts of England on Friday and Saturday.

“In addition, temperatures overnight will remain high, especially in towns and cities, which will make for an uncomfortably warm night for some.

“Temperatures are likely to start to drop from the west on Saturday and more widely into Sunday, as showers and thunderstorms sweep north-east across the country.”