Amber heat-health alert issued for 8 regions in England, including London

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office issued an amber heat-health alert (HHA) on Tuesday for eight regions in England, including the capital, London.

The alert is currently in effect from 12 noon on Tuesday until 9 pm on Sunday for London, South East, South West, North West, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, Yorkshire, and the Humber, the UKHSA said in a statement.

The amber alert indicates that weather-related impacts are likely to affect the entire healthcare system. It has been issued due to a forecasted temperature increase exceeding 30°C (86°F) by the country's meteorological department.

"At this level, we may begin to see some health impacts across the wider population, and an increase in risk to health for individuals aged over 65 years or those with pre-existing health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases," the statement cautioned.

Agostinho Sousa, the head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, urged the public to take "sensible precautions while enjoying the sun."

"We advise you to check on older family members, friends, or neighbours and those with heart or lung conditions," he noted.