Heat-health alert issued by the UK Health Security Agency

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office have, today (15 June), issued a Level 3 Heat-Health alert for London, East of England and the South East.

This alert follows the Level 2 alert issued on Tuesday and confirms that the Met Office’s threshold temperatures for an alert will be reached in 3 regions from 17 June. A Level 2 alert remains in place for the East Midlands and South West.

Temperatures in these regions are expected to rise throughout the week and peak on 17 June, with the alerts remaining in place until midnight on 18 June.

The top ways for staying safe when the heat arrives are to:

• Look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated – older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk
• Stay cool indoors by closing curtains on rooms that face the sun – and remember that it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
• Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
• Try to keep out of the sun between 11:00am to 3:00pm, when the UV rays are strongest
• Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat
• Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day
• Make sure you take water with you if you are travelling
• Take care and make sure to follow local safety advice if you are going into the water to cool down