More deaths are expected this week due to the hot weather (Picture: Getty)
Nine heat alerts are in place across England as the UK enjoys a rare heatwave, with elderly people and those with health conditions particularly at risk.
Many will welcome the sunshine after weeks of an extraordinarily disappointing summer.
But for those over 65, the warm weather can be hard to cope with, especially in a country where air conditioning is scarce.
The Government is preparing for a spike in heat-related deaths, as bodies must work harder to stay at a safe temperature, making heart attacks and strokes more likely.
This effect begins to kick in above 25°C or 26°C, with around 2,000 deaths in hot weather each year on average in England.
Yellow alerts for ‘significant impacts’ from heat are in place for London, the South East, South West, East of England, West Midlands, East Midlands, and Yorkshire and The Humber.
People enjoy the cool water in Plymouth today (Picture: SWNS)
A sunbather enjoys the hot weather in St James’s Park today (Picture: PA)
People cool off at Peterborough Lido in Cambridgeshire (Picture: PA)
Green alerts for minor impacts are in place for the North East and North West.
The UK Health Security Agency warned of the yellow areas: ‘Significant impacts are possible across the health and social care sector due to the high temperatures.’
Increased deaths are ‘likely’, they said, particularly for the elderly and for those with health conditions, ‘but impacts may also be seen in younger age groups’.
There would likely be increased demand for remote healthcare services, while temperatures in hospitals and care homes could go above the threshold recommended in clinical risk assessments.
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Many indoor areas are likely to ‘overheat’ making it more difficult for people to work.
How to stay safe in the heat
Avoid excess alcohol
Dress appropriately for the weather in light clothing
Stay in the shade where possible
Keep your home cool by closing curtains and opening windows
Wear suncream and a hat to avoid getting sunburnt
Slow down when it’s hot
Go indoors or outdoors: whichever feels cooler
Remember cars can get much hotter than outside and avoid closed spaces
Look out for signs of heat-related illness
Cool your skin with water
Stay safe when swimming by looking out for warning signs
Call NHS 111 or in an emergency 999 if suffering health issues
This could lead ‘to increased risk to vulnerable people living independently in the community as well as in care settings’.
If you have family, friends or neighbours who are isolated or may be at an increased risk, check they are able to keep cool during a heatwave.
As well as the heat warnings, the Met Office issued warnings for thunderstorms tomorrow and on Thursday, saying there is the potential for ‘danger to life’ floods and travel disruption after the hot conditions break.
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