Heat-Health Alert Yellow response

Published: 09 August 2024

YELLOW Heat-Health Alert - (Hot weather response) has been issued for the South East and is in effect between 11/08/2024 at 09:00 and 13/08/2024 at 09:00.

The Met Office, in conjunction with UKHSA, is issuing the following heat-health warning for our area:

General Overview - Significant impacts are possible across the health and social care sector due to the high temperatures, including: observed increase in mortality across the population likely, particularly in the 65+ age group or those with health conditions, but impacts may also be seen in younger age groups; increased demand for remote healthcare services likely; internal temperatures in care settings (hospitals and care homes) may exceed recommended threshold for clinical risk assessment; impact on ability of services to be delivered due to heat effects on workforce possible and many indoor environments likely to be overheating, leading to increased risk to vulnerable people living independently in the community as well as in care settings.

Heatwaves can be dangerous, especially for the very young or very old or those with chronic disease. Advice on how to reduce the risk either for yourself or somebody you know can be obtained from the NHS website at https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather/ NHS 111 or from your local chemist.

Advice for the public on financial support and benefits can be found on the Government website and our West Berkshire Council website page: