The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Met Office have extended an Amber heat-health warning for the West Midlands. The alert, originally due to expire at 9am on Monday, now remains in force until 9pm on Wednesday, July 15, as temperatures are forecast to stay around 30°C.
Significant Impacts Expected
The Amber warning indicates that "significant impacts are likely across health and social care services due to the high temperatures." This includes a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with pre-existing health conditions, and potential impacts on younger age groups.
Regional Alerts
Meanwhile, a Yellow alert will be in place from 9am on Sunday until 9pm on Wednesday for the East Midlands, North West, South East, East of England, and London.
Risks During the Alert Period
Until Wednesday, July 15, the following risks are expected:
- Likely increased demand on all health and social care services
- Internal temperatures in care settings (hospitals and care homes) may exceed the recommended threshold for clinical risk assessment
- The heat affecting the ability of the workforce to deliver services
- Indoor environments overheating, increasing the risk to vulnerable people living independently in community and care settings
- Issues managing medicines
- Staffing issues due to external factors (for example, affecting transport)
- Increased demand for power exceeding capacity
- Other sectors starting to observe impacts (for example, travel delays)
- Water-related incidents may increase, including risks from cold-water shock and drowning
