What do UK heat warnings mean? Map shows where health alerts are in place as Met Office considers red warning

AMBER heat health alerts have been announced across the majority of England. And with another heatwave forecast this week, the Met Office is considering issuing a rare red extreme heat warning – here’s everything you need to know about what the different alerts mean. Many people are making the most of the summer heatwaves Credit: Alamy The Met Office said temperatures could reach 36C by Thursday Credit: Met Office Where are heat health warnings in place in the UK? The prolonged high temperatures and lack of rain have left more than half of England and all of Wales facing official drought conditions. And the Met Office says that temperatures could reach 36C in parts of East Anglia and south-east England by Thursday. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! On Monday, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued updated heat health alerts – which are provided in partnership with the Met Office – across much of England. As you can see on our interactive map below, UKHSA amber heat health alerts have been issued for eight regions, while a yellow alert is in place for one. UKHSA acting public health consultant, Polly Ashmore, said: “Periods of hot weather can result in serious health outcomes, especially for older adults, and it is therefore important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun. “We are urging health and social care services in affected regions to ensure they are prepared, and reminding people to look out for elderly relatives, neighbours, and those with underlying health conditions, making sure they are aware of the forecast and following the necessary advice. “Simple steps such as staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day, and keeping your home cool are some of the key ways to help keep yourself and others safe during periods of hot weather.” Separately, the Met Office is responsible for the National Severe Weather Warning Service (NSWWS), which issues yellow, amber and red warnings for circumstances like thunderstorms and rain. Most read in The Sun It can also declare amber and red warnings for for extreme heat, as the forecaster did earlier this year. Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan said: “We sometimes issue extreme heat warnings, amber and red warnings, which we did back in June, so that’s under consideration at the moment.” While the UKHSA alerts focus on the heat’s impact on public health, the Met Office’s NSWWS warnings cover the wider impacts of the heat to protect lives and property. What do the UK heat health colours mean? According to the Met Office website, the health alerts that the UKHSA issues in partnership with the forecaster carry the following meanings: Green (summer preparedness) No alert will be issued as the conditions are likely to have minimal impact on health. However, during periods where the risk is minimal it is important that organisations ensure that they have plans in place and are prepared to respond should an alert (yellow, amber, or red) be issued. Yellow (response) These alerts cover a range of situations. Yellow alerts may be issued during periods of heat which would be unlikely to impact most people, but those you are particularly vulnerable (e.g. the elderly with multiple health conditions and on multiple medications) and are likely to struggle to cope and where action is required within the health and social care sector specifically. A yellow alert may also be issued if the confidence in the weather forecast is low, but there could be more significant impacts if the worst-case scenario is realised. In this situation the alert may be upgraded as the confidence in both the weather forecast and the likelihood of observing those impacts improves. Amber (enhanced response) An amber alert would represent a situation in which the expected impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service, with potential for the whole population to be at risk and where other sectors apart from health may also start to observe impacts, indicating that a coordinated response is required. In addition, in some circumstances a National Severe Weather Warning Service (NSWWS) Extreme Heat warning may be issued in conjunction with and aligned to the HHA. This situation would indicate that significant impacts are expected across multiple sectors. Red (emergency response) A red alert would indicate significant risk to life for even the healthy population. A red warning would be issued in conjunction with and aligned to a red NSWWS Extreme Heat warning. Severe impacts would be expected across all sectors with a coordinated response essential. Comment now