'Serious illness or danger to life' - Red heat warning issued for Sussex and Surrey as officials warn of major health risk
People in Sussex and Surrey are told to be on red alert, as forecasters warn temperatures could climb to 40 degrees Celsius later this week.
The entirety of the South East is now covered by the rare UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warning for extreme heat. Health officials warn that the hot weather could pose a risk to ‘everyone’s health, not just vulnerable groups’.
The UKHSA’s alert will be active from 1am on Wednesday, until 11pm on Thursday. This will the second time a red HHA has come into force – the first having been issued in July 2022.
The warning comes as an exceptional spell of hot and humid weather is forecast across southern England, with temperatures expected to exceed 37C and potentially reach between 38C and 40C in some areas.
The alert read: “A red heat-health alert indicates a risk to life for even the healthy population.”
This follows a similar upgrade by the Met Office. Parts of Sussex – and the entirety of Surrey – have been placed under the government agency’s highest-level weather warning, from 9am on Wednesday (June 24), until 9pm on Thursday.
It covers parts of northern and eastern Sussex, including: Crawley; Horsham; Billingshurst; Petworth; Haywards Heath; Uckfield and Crowborough.
According to the Met Office, the heatwave could have serious impacts across society, with population-wide health effects likely and significant disruption possible.
The red warnings reads: "An exceptional spell of hot and humid weather is expected across this region, with impacts to the general population highly likely."
It added that ‘population-wide adverse health effects’ could be experienced – ‘not limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat, leading to serious illness or danger to life’.
Forecasters are also warning that daily life could be significantly disrupted, saying: "Substantial changes in working practices and daily routines will be required."
In further details accompanying the warning, the Met Office said temperatures are increasingly likely to exceed 37C for two to three days and could rise to between 38C and 40C in some places.
It added: "Significant disruption to daily life is likely and the public should take every effort to make precautions and adapt their daily routines where possible to cope with these levels of heat, which up to now have been extremely rare for the UK."
Forecasters also warned of possible failures of heat-sensitive systems and equipment, which could affect essential services including electricity, water, gas and mobile phone networks.
Travel disruption is also expected, with delays on roads and potential cancellations or delays affecting rail and air services.
The warning highlights the likelihood of significantly more people visiting beaches, rivers and lakes as temperatures soar, increasing the risk of water safety incidents.
Residents urged to take precautions
The UKHSA and Met Office is urging people to adapt their daily routines during the warning period and take steps to protect themselves from the heat.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: Very hot weather is forecast across large parts of England in the coming days and we are urging health and social care services across the country to ensure they are prepared.
"It is vitally important that people understand the risk posed by high temperatures like these, and take steps to keep themselves and their friends, families and neighbours safe.
“A red heat health alert indicates a risk to life for even the healthy population, but simple actions like staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day, and keeping your home cool can make a big difference. It’s also important to look out for others, especially elderly relatives, neighbours, and those with underlying health conditions, to make sure they are aware of the forecast and following the necessary advice.”
The Met Office also issued safety advice.
A spokesperson said: “Keep yourself safe by following these simple steps to reduce the likelihood of the heat making you feel unwell; drink plenty of fluids, keep out of the sun and avoid any exercise between 11am-3pm when the sun is strongest and close curtains in rooms that face the sun. If you are going out take water with you, stay in the shade, wear sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat.
"Keep yourself safe whilst enjoying the water in this weather by following these simple steps: enter the water gradually, avoiding jumping or diving straight in, to reduce your risk of cold-water shock, go to a lifeguarded beach or a supervised swimming area, and, if you, or anyone else, get into difficulty in the water, float on your back.
"Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary. If using public transport, there are many simple things you can do to keep yourself safe; carry water with you, take a small hand-held battery powered fan, if you feel unwell get off at next stop for some fresh air, dress in light fabrics in light colours to help stay cooler, keep an eye on fellow passengers for signs they may be struggling.
"Help to protect vulnerable people that you know including older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone; they may need support to keep cool and stay hydrated. If you are worried about your health, or that of somebody you know, ring NHS 111.”
The Met Office said people ‘cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance’.
It added: “It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
"Stay up to date with the weather forecast for your area and follow any advice from emergency services and local authorities.”