A yellow heat-health alert has officially been issued for parts of the UK, warning that temperatures could spike above 30°C (86°F)—the highest of the year so far. The alert is active from Thursday at 9pm until Sunday at 8am, affecting London, the East of England, the East Midlands, and the South East.
Why This Heat Alert Matters for Your Health
This is more than just sweaty weather—extreme heat can be dangerous, especially for older adults and people with chronic health conditions like heart or lung disease. The UK Health Security Agency warns that this level of heat could lead to more hospital visits and a strain on healthcare services, particularly for people over 65.
Even healthy individuals can experience dehydration, heat exhaustion, and difficulty sleeping during prolonged warm spells. It’s critical to stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and keep cool indoors, especially during peak sun hours between 11am and 3pm.
Storms Could Hit Hard—And Fast
But it’s not just the heat. Thunderstorms and heavy rain are forecast over the next three days, beginning Thursday. The Met Office warns that some regions could see 40mm of rain (about 1.5 inches) in under three hours, which can lead to sudden flooding.
Thursday: Thunderstorm warnings stretch from Plymouth into Wales and across Northern Ireland (6am–9pm).
Friday to Saturday: Storm risk shifts toward East Anglia, London, and the South East, from Friday 3pm to Saturday 6am.
These storms could also bring frequent lightning, hail, gusty winds, and power outages. Travel disruptions and property flooding are possible.
Tips to Protect Your Health This Week
Stay inside during the hottest hours and avoid strenuous activity.
Drink plenty of water, even if you’re not thirsty.
Keep medications stored properly, as some can lose effectiveness in heat.
If you or someone you know feels dizzy, nauseated, or confused, it may be heat exhaustion—seek medical help quickly.
During storms, unplug electronics, avoid flooded roads, and stay away from windows during lightning activity.
What the Forecast Says
Sky News weather expert Christopher England noted that temperatures could peak at 30–31°C on Friday, possibly surpassing this year’s previous high of 29.3°C. While slightly cooler air may return by the weekend, hot and unstable weather will dominate the next few days.
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