Amber heat-health alert issued across Sussex and Surrey
An amber heat-health alert covering Sussex and Surrey has been issued across Sussex and Surrey by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
The alert which came into effect at 9am on Monday, August 3, has been put in place until 9am on Wednesday, August 5.
The UKHSA says significant impacts are likely across health and social care services due to the high temperatures.
It warns there could be a rise in deaths, particularly among people aged 65 and over and those with existing health conditions, while younger age groups may also be affected.
There is also expected to be increased demand on health and social care services, while internal temperatures in hospitals, care homes and other care settings may exceed recommended thresholds for clinical risk assessment.
The heat could affect the ability of the workforce to deliver services, while overheating indoor environments could increase risks for vulnerable people living independently and those in community and care settings.
Other potential impacts include difficulties managing medicines, staffing issues caused by external factors such as transport, and increased demand for power potentially exceeding capacity.
The UKHSA also warns that other sectors may begin to experience impacts, including travel delays.
Water-related incidents may also increase, with the agency highlighting the risks of cold-water shock and drowning.
In Sussex, The Met Office’s latest forecast says temperatures of up to 32C will be reached in part of West Sussex on Monday, August 3.
In East Sussex, Brighton is expected to reach highs of 29C on Monday, August 3 with Eastbourne and Hastings both topping out at 26C the same day.
Temperatures are predicted to fall as the week goes by, reaching the mid 20’s by Wednesday, August 5.
The latest amber warning follows a series of heat-health alerts issued across the region this summer.