Yorkshire placed under amber heat alert as UK records hottest June day
An amber heat-health alert has been issued for Yorkshire and the Humber as the UK records its hottest June day on record.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended its amber heat-health alert for Yorkshire and the Humber from 4pm on Wednesday (Jun 24) until 11pm on Friday (Jun 26).
The warning comes as the Met Office confirmed Wednesday was the UK's hottest June day on record, with a provisional temperature of 35.7C recorded in Charlwood, Surrey.
The figure surpassed the previous June record of 35.6C, which had stood since 1976 and 1957.
UKHSA said significant impacts are expected across health and social care services due to the high temperatures.
The agency warned there could be a rise in deaths, particularly among people aged 65 and over and those with health conditions, although younger age groups may also be affected.
It also said the heat is likely to increase demand on health and social care services, while hospitals and care homes could see internal temperatures exceed recommended thresholds.
Other potential impacts highlighted by UKHSA include transport disruption, staffing issues, increased demand for power and difficulties managing medicines.
The agency also warned that water-related incidents may increase during the hot weather.
It said: “Water-related incidents may increase, including risks from cold-water shock and drowning.”
The latest warning comes as much of England and Wales experiences exceptionally hot and humid conditions.
The Met Office said the heatwave has been driven by a "heat-dome" over western Europe, bringing extreme temperatures across the continent.
The hot weather has already caused disruption elsewhere in the country, with more than 1,000 schools expected to be fully or partially closed over two days because of the heat.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has urged parents to continue sending children to school where settings remain open.
She said: “I know hot weather can be a struggle. But my message to families is simple: if your child’s school is open, you should keep sending them into school."
UKHSA has published guidance for vulnerable people on staying safe during hot weather and is urging organisations providing health and social care services to review their plans for dealing with extreme temperatures.
What the amber heat alert means for Yorkshire
UKHSA says significant impacts are expected, including:
- A rise in deaths, particularly among people aged 65 and over and those with health conditions
- Increased demand on health and social care services
- Hospitals and care homes overheating
- Travel disruption and staffing issues
- Increased demand for electricity
- Increased risks for vulnerable people living independently
- Problems managing medicines
- Increased risk of water-related incidents, including cold-water shock and drowning
The amber heat-health alert remains in force across Yorkshire and the Humber until 11pm on Friday (Jun 26).