The Met Office has declared an AMBER Heat-Health Alert for the South East region, signalling an anticipated spike in temperature that is expected to impact health conditions. The alert is effective from 9:00 AM on June 9th, 2023, and will last until 9:00 AM on June 12th, 2023. More information can be found on the Met Office’s Heat-Health Watch website.
With the transition to an impact-based alerting system, the Met Office is taking steps beyond simply informing the public of the likelihood of hot weather. The new alert classifications (YELLOW, AMBER, or RED) serve to provide users with detailed and actionable information about the potential consequences and impacts of the imminent heatwave.
The Met Office has warned of a potential rise in mortality rates, especially among those aged 65 and over, as well as those with health conditions. However, younger age groups may also be at risk. The alert signals likely increases in demand for remote healthcare services, potential issues in care environments such as hospitals and care homes, and a potential knock-on effect on service delivery due to the heat’s impact on the workforce.
The soaring temperatures may push many indoor environments past the recommended thresholds for clinical risk assessment. This could cause challenges for vulnerable individuals living independently, as well as those in care settings. Medicines management issues and staffing challenges due to external factors such as transport disruption are also likely.
The alert also signals that temporary air conditioning capacity may not meet demand, as sectors outside of healthcare begin to feel the heatwave’s impact, causing disruptions like travel delays.
The soaring temperatures not only pose risks to physical health, but also contribute to a rise in heart attacks, strokes, lung illnesses, and other diseases. Certain groups, including older individuals, the very young, and those with pre-existing medical conditions, are particularly susceptible to these effects.
In light of this alert, the public is encouraged to keep a close eye on vulnerable individuals and to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and others from the extreme heat.
