Heat Health Alert for Cornwall as temperatures across the UK hot up
The Met Office and UK Health Security Agency have issued a Level 3 Alert
Last updated 11th Jul 2022
The Met Office and UK Health Security Agency have issued a 'Heat Health Alert' for most of the country, including Cornwall.
It is the second one to be issued this year and will be in force from 9am on Monday 11th July, with the probability of heatwave conditions in the Duchy now at 90%.
Temperatures will sizzle from today (Monday), with parts of the UK expected to reach 32C on Tuesday; that would make it the hottest day of the year so far.
The alert has now been upgraded to amber (Level 3) and covers the whole of the South West.
The Level 3 alert is in force from 9am on Monday 11th July until 9am on Friday 15th July.
What is a Level 3 'Heat Health Alert'?
The Level 3 amber alert if triggered when the Met Office confirms threshold temperatures for one of more regions have been reached for one day and the following night, and the forecast for the next day has a greater than 90% confidence level that the day threshold temperature will be met. This stage requires social and healthcare services to target specific actions at high-risk groups.
A spokesperson said: "There is high confidence that temperatures will be widely hot across much of England on Monday, especially central and eastern areas where temperatures are likely to peak into the low 30s. During Tuesday a weak cold front will sink southwards across the country introducing slightly cooler air from Wednesday through to Friday, although it will still feel warm. This could be a temporary less hot interlude, as renewed hot or very hot conditions may develop again during the coming weekend. However, there is uncertainty at present in the extent, intensity, and duration of any potential renewed hot conditions at this lead time. This alert will be kept under review as forecast confidence increases."
A heatwave is defined as three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold.
The threshold varies in each county.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: "Heat-health alerts have now been issued to the majority of the country, with temperatures set to remain consistently high throughout the duration of this week.
"Most of us can enjoy the hot weather when it arrives, but it is important to keep yourself hydrated and to find shade where possible when UV rays are strongest, between 11am and 3pm".
Dr Sousa added: "If you have vulnerable family, friends and neighbours, make sure they are aware of how they can keep themselves protected from the warm weather".
How can I stay safe in the heat?
The UK Health Security Agency says the top ways for staying safe when the heat arrives are to:
1) Look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated – older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk
2) Stay cool indoors by closing curtains on rooms that face the sun – and remember that it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
3) Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
4) Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
5) Check that fridges, freezers and fans are working properly
6) Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest
7) Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat
8) Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day
9) Make sure you take water with you if you are travelling
10) Take care and make sure to follow local safety advice if you are going into the water to cool down
11) Check medicines can be stored according to the instructions on the packaging
You can check the latest alerts for Cornwall and the UK on the Met Office alert website.