FEELING THE HEAT
Urgent ‘level 3’ health warning issued to Brits across UK as temperatures soar to 34C
AN urgent "Level 3" health warning has been issued to Brits across the country as temperatures soar.
The nation is braced for a 34C scorcher today as the UK's mini heatwave gets set to bring the hottest day of the year so far.
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Forecasters predict baking highs of 34C on what is being labelled "Fiery Friday" - and have warned sun-seekers to be aware of the risks.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), along with the Met Office, today issued a Level 3 heat-health alert across London, East of England and the South East.
It means the threshold for a heatwave in all three regions have been met - and healthcare services will need to be on high alert to help high-risk groups.
Met Office advice states: "Look out for others, especially older people, young children and babies and those with underlying health conditions.
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"Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
"Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol, dress appropriately for the weather and slow down when it is hot."
The heatwave temperature threshold varies in each country - in the UK it is between 25C and 28C.
While a Level 2 alert warns the nation to prepare and "get ready" for a heatwave, Level 3 requires "heatwave action".
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A Level 2 heat-health alert on Tuesday, currently in place for the East Midlands and the South West.
Temperatures in these regions are expected to peak today, with the alerts remaining in place until midnight on Saturday.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: "During periods of hot weather, it is especially important to keep checking on those who are most vulnerable, such as older people and those with heart or lung conditions.
";Make sure to look out for signs of heat exhaustion and follow our simple health advice to beat the heat."
It comes after the UK recorded the hottest day of the year for the second day in a row on Thursday as the mercury rocketed to a sizzling 29C - smashing Wednesday's 27.8C scorcher.
Away from the capital and the South East, temperatures of 27C to 30C are expected across most of England and Wales - meaning the country will be hotter than parts of Jamaica and the Maldives.
Dan Rudman, Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said: "Temperatures will continue to rise as we go through the week, becoming well above-average by Friday, when many parts of the southern half of the UK are likely to exceed 30°C or even reach 34°C in some places.
"This is the first spell of hot weather this year and it is unusual for temperature to exceed these values in June.
"Many areas will also see some warm nights with minimum temperatures expected to be in the high teens or even low 20s for some overnight."
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Despite today's expected scorcher - it will not be the hottest on record.
The hottest June date ever came in 1976, when Southampton Mayflower Park sizzled to 35.6C on June 28.
What are the signs of heat exhaustion?
The signs of heat exhaustion include:
- A headache
- Dizziness and confusion
- Loss of appetite and feeling sick
- Excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin
- Cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
- Fast breathing or pulse
- A high temperature of 38C or above
- Being very thirsty
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