Amber heat health alerts issued across England ahead of fifth summer heatwave

England is bracing for its fifth heatwave of the summer, with amber heat health alerts now in force across most of the country. Issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), these alerts, effective from Tuesday morning until Friday morning, signal likely significant impacts on health and social care services due to the extreme temperatures.

The alerts warn of potential overheating in hospitals and care homes, affecting the workforce's ability to deliver services. Vulnerable individuals face increased risks from overheating indoor environments, and there are concerns about managing medicines and potential power supply issues. Water-related incidents, including cold-water shock and drowning, may also increase.

While most of England is under an amber alert, the north-east region is subject to a yellow health alert. This less intense category is still associated with a rise in deaths, particularly among the elderly or those with pre-existing health conditions, and an increased demand for health services.

The heatwave follows a period of severe dryness, with four additional English regions – the East Midlands, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, Kent and East Sussex, and Solent and the South Downs – officially declared to be in drought on Monday. These join seven other regions and all of Wales that were already under drought status. The Environment Agency reports that 71.3% of England is experiencing "flash drought" after the driest July on record.

Forecasters predict temperatures will reach the mid-30s Celsius on Thursday, with the possibility of exceeding 36C in some areas. This follows forecasts of 29C in Cardiff, 28C in Manchester, and 25C in London on Tuesday.