Yellow Heat-Health Alerts Issued for 2025 as Thunderstorms Bring Torrential Downpours
A yellow heat-health alert has been issued for several regions in England, effective from 21:00 BST on Thursday until 08:00 on Sunday. The alert, issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), covers the east of England, London, East Midlands, and south-east England. According to the Met Office, temperatures are expected to surge to 30C (86F) in parts of eastern England, with the heat and humidity combining to bring thunderstorms.
The UKHSA has warned that the heat and humidity could lead to increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people, particularly those aged over 65 years or with pre-existing health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The health alert means that there is likely to be an increased risk to health for people in these groups. As the Met Office reported, "Some communities could be hit with more than half a month’s worth of rain in the space of a few hours, with some flash flooding likely from the biggest storms."
The UK is currently caught in a weather battle zone between high pressure to the east and low pressure to the west, with southerly winds sending increasingly humid air across the country. This unstable weather pattern is expected to bring frequent lightning, gusty winds, hail, and torrential downpours. The Met Office has warned that some areas could experience flash flooding, with the potential for disruption to daily life.
The Met Office has also warned that the thunderstorms could bring heavy rain, with some areas experiencing more than half a month’s worth of rain in just a few hours. This could lead to flash flooding, which can be life-threatening. The public is advised to be aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions to stay safe.
As reported by the BBC, the yellow heat-health alert is a warning that the heat and humidity could have a significant impact on public health. The UKHSA is working closely with the Met Office to monitor the situation and provide guidance to healthcare professionals and the public. The public is advised to check on vulnerable neighbours and friends, and to take steps to stay cool and hydrated during the hot weather.
The Met Office has confirmed that the thunderstorms will bring a range of hazards, including frequent lightning, gusty winds, hail, and torrential downpours. The public is advised to be aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions to stay safe. As the Met Office stated, "The health alerts, issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), cover the east of England, London, East Midland and south-east England from 21:00 BST on Thursday until 08:00 on Sunday." The BBC will continue to provide updates on the weather situation as more information becomes available.
According to the Met Office, the weather pattern is expected to remain unsettled in the coming days, with further thunderstorms and heavy rain expected. The public is advised to stay up-to-date with the latest weather forecasts and warnings from the Met Office and to take necessary precautions to stay safe. The UKHSA and the Met Office are working together to provide guidance and support to the public during this period of hot and unsettled weather.
The Met Office has urged the public to be aware of the potential risks associated with the hot and humid weather, particularly for vulnerable individuals. As the Met Office reported, "The health alert means that there is likely to be increased use of health care services by vulnerable people and an increase in risk to health for people aged over 65 years or with pre-existing health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases." The BBC will continue to provide updates on the weather situation as more information becomes available.
Source: BBC Weather
