A HEAT health alert has been issued across most of England as temperatures are predicted to soar.
The UK Health Security Agency has warned healthcare services will be under increased demand over the next seven days as parts of the country are set to fry in 32C heat.
Officials also warned vulnerable people – like the very old and young – could be at increased risk of dying as both indoor and outdoor environments become "very warm".
The yellow alert is in force across London, the South East, South West, East of England, West Midlands, East Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber and the North West.
Met Office chief meteorologist Mark Sidaway said: "While the highest temperatures are expected in the south, heatwave conditions are likely across much of England and Wales especially, with parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland also likely to see some unseasonably high temperatures.”
While Jonathan Vautrey, another Met Office meteorologist, added: "The last time we hit 30C in the UK was on July 7 so almost two months ago and 32C was all the way back to the end June.
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"It is a late dose of summer but unfortunately not everyone might be able to make the most of it with school activities."
Jonathan warned of the health risks to the vulnerable, stressing the temperatures will be 10C above average for September.
He urged people to stay hydrated and use sunscreen, with UV levels being moderate to high.
"It does bring health risks to people who are vulnerable," he added.
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Forecasters are predicting the mercury to rise to 30C on Tuesday, in Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and the Bristol Channel.
But parts of the country are set to fry further on Wednesday and Thursday with highs of 32C, in Berkshire and southern areas of the Midlands.
Yellow alerts are issued during periods of heat or cold which are "likely to impact most people but could impact those who are particularly vulnerable".
The UKHSA said it expects to see an “increased use of health care services by the vulnerable population”.
The high temperatures will also “increase the risk of mortality amongst vulnerable individuals”, officials said.
Ways to keep safe in the hot weather
- Keep out of the heat, if you can
- If you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm
- Always wear sunscreen (with SPF rating of 30), a hat and light clothes
- Avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter
- Have cold food and drinks
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks
- Have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes
- Keep your living space cool by closing windows during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has dropped
Source: NHS
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