A rise in deaths is ‘likely’
The whole of England has been issued an amber heat alert.(Image: UK Health Security Agency)
An amber heat alert for the South West has been issued, beginning at midday today (Thursday, June 19).
The heat alert, issued by the UK Health Security Agency, comes as temperatures across the South West could reach above 30°C between today and Saturday.
Bristol could be set for 31°C heat today, whilst temperatures in Gloucester could reach 32°C tomorrow.
Parts of Somerset will also hit 30°C tomorrow as the whole of England has been issued with the heat alert.
The alert has been given a risk score of 12 out of 16, meaning a medium risk with a high likelihood of occurring.
The heat alert will begin at midday today and last until 9am on Monday, June 23.
The risk says that a number of significant impacts across health and social care services are likely due to the soaring heat.
The whole of England has been issued an amber heat alert.(Image: UK Health Security Agency)
There could be a rise in deaths, in particular among those over the age of 65 or those with health conditions.
There will be likely increased demand on all health and social care services.
Temperatures inside care homes and hospitals may exceed recommended thresholds and a risk of overheating for vulnerable people is increased.
The heat will also affect the workforce to deliver vital services, manage medicines and staffing issues due to external factors, as travel delays are expected.
The Met Office forecast from Saturday onwards is: “Hazy sunshine on Saturday with isolated showers, perhaps thundery.
“Occasional bright spells on Sunday with cloudier skies arriving into Monday.
“Feeling warm to start then turning fresher on Sunday.”