As temperatures are expected to reach 30C in some parts of the UK in the coming days, an amber heat-health alert has been issued.
Eastern and southern England, as well as the Midlands, are under the amber warning, which indicates that soaring temperatures could have an impact on people of all ages and the health system.
This weekend, forecasters predict temperatures to be 5 to 10 degrees above average for June.
On Thursday, the alert from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) was upgraded from yellow to amber.
This weekend, people are being urged to be "vigilant" after wildfire warnings were issued.
According to the Met Office, Thursday was the hottest day so far this year.
According to BBC forecasters, temperatures between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius are expected in some areas of south-east and north-east England as well as the Midlands on Saturday.
According to BBC meteorologist Matt Taylor, there is a chance of "some sporadic torrential thunderstorms" and that most areas will also notice an increase in humidity, which will cause some warm nights. .
He claimed there was a risk of localized flooding where torrential downpours occur when the ground was "very dry.".
For some eastern regions of the nation where it has recently been cooler, this weekend's temperatures will be a "big leap," Mr. Taylor continued.
The south-easterly winds coming off the continent, he added, would cause the air quality to worsen over the weekend.
For the north of England and London, a less serious yellow alert is in effect with the recommendation that people check on vulnerable family members and friends.
From 14:00 BST until 21:00 on Saturday, the entire country of Wales and a sizable portion of southern England are under a Met Office yellow thunderstorm warning.
This could result in travel delays, power outages, and some localized flooding from the heaviest rains.
The UKHSA advises people to: while it is hot outside.
- Check in on your loved ones, friends, and neighbors.
- Be aware of the signs and symptoms of heatstroke and heat exhaustion.
- Between 11:00 and 15:00, avoid the sun.
- Walk or exercise your dog in the morning or evening when it's cooler outside.
- In rooms that face the sun, draw the drapes and windows.
- If you're going outside, dress appropriately, put on sunscreen, and don't forget your hat and sunglasses.
- Limit alcohol consumption while drinking plenty of fluids.
The UKHSA stated that although it was challenging to predict the precise effects of higher temperatures on the health service, there would be an increase in demand from vulnerable groups who suffer in the heat.
People over 65, those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, and children are all included in this.
In order to avoid using disposable barbecues or starting campfires this weekend, Andy Cole, the assistant chief fire officer for the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service, urged people to be "vigilant.".
According to him, there were "record numbers" of wildfires last year, with 911 being reported in Dorset and Wiltshire, which saw an increase of "roughly 400 percent" from the year before.
Mr. Cole claimed that wildfires were "extremely dangerous" and could drain the fire service of a lot of its resources while speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today program.
In the UK, heatwaves are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change.
Coningsby, in Lincolnshire, hit a record 40 degrees Fahrenheit on July 19, making last year the UK's warmest on record.
In the years and decades to come, heatwaves "are likely to occur more frequently, be more intense, and last longer," according to the UKHSA.
The UKHSA and the Met Office last week introduced a new color-coded alert system with the intention of lowering illness and fatalities among the most vulnerable.
The most serious risk is represented by a subsequent alert that has not yet been sent out. When there is a red alert, even healthy people face a serious risk to their lives, and severe effects are likely to be felt across all industries.
People can sign up to receive alerts directly from this page, and they can choose the region for which they want to receive alerts.
