Health authorities have issued heat health alerts across most of England as temperatures are forecast to climb to around 36°C (97°F) this week, raising concerns over the impact of another spell of extreme heat on public health.

Amber heat health alerts issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) will be in effect across every part of England except the North East, where a yellow alert has been issued. The alerts are scheduled to run from 9 a.m. Tuesday until 9 a.m. Friday.

The UKHSA warned that the high temperatures could have significant consequences for health and social care services, including increased demand and a rise in heat-related deaths, particularly among people aged 65 and over.

The latest warning comes after the UK reached a notable temperature milestone. At least 30.6°C was recorded on Sunday, bringing the number of days this year on which temperatures exceeded 30°C to 34, matching the previous UK record set in 1995.

Another spell of intense heat

The Met Office says temperatures are expected to rise sharply through the middle of the week, with Wednesday to Friday likely to be hot or very hot across much of England. Some areas could experience particularly high temperatures, while warm nights are also expected in towns and cities.

The latest spell follows an already exceptionally warm year. The Met Office reported that a major heat episode in May saw the UK daily maximum temperature record broken on consecutive days, culminating in 35.1°C at Kew Gardens in London on May 26.

Earlier in July, forecasters also warned that temperatures could reach 35°C to 36°C in parts of England during another prolonged period of hot weather, with heat health alerts issued because of the potential impact on health and social care.

Health authorities urge caution

Officials are urging people to take precautions as temperatures rise, particularly those who are older, have underlying health conditions, live alone or may have difficulty staying cool.

People are advised to drink plenty of water, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day, keep homes as cool as possible and check on vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours.

The UKHSA has warned that heat can pose serious risks to health, while government health guidance stresses the importance of preparing for prolonged periods of extreme temperatures.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has also warned that extreme heat can affect some medicines and how the body responds to them, urging people who take regular medication to seek appropriate advice and store medicines according to recommended conditions.

Record-breaking summer heat

The repeated heatwaves have raised wider concerns about the UK's increasingly frequent periods of extreme summer temperatures.

The Met Office's climate data shows that the number of days exceeding 30°C is an important indicator of unusually hot UK summers, while climate projections point to more frequent hot days as global temperatures rise.

With another period of extreme heat now developing, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and follow official health and weather guidance until temperatures begin to ease. (ILKHA)