Website of the Department of Health

Heatwave warning - level 3

The Met Office has raised the heatwave warning alert again today on behalf of the Department of Health.

The highest temperatures today will be to the west of London where 31-32 degrees celsius should be reached. Temperatures of up to 33 degrees celsius are expected in London by tomorrow. These hot conditions will persist until Friday, with lower temperatures moving in by the weekend.

This has triggered heatwave plan alert level three. This means that high temperatures have been reached and sustained in one or more regions, with two consecutive very warm nights, a hot intervening day and a forecast of even higher temperatures for today and tomorrow.

English regions particularly affected by the heatwave and which have reached criteria for level three include London and the South East.

The Department of Health is reminding people to remain aware of the risks faced by elderly friends and relatives during a heatwave.

High temperatures 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 for somebody you know is available from the DH Heatwave Plan 2009,  the NHS Choices website, NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or from your local GP or pharmacist.

For health and social care providers, the purpose of this message is to draw your attention to the requirements set out in the Heatwave Plan.

Specific advice to be followed by health care professionals and the managers and staff of residential and nursing homes in the event of a heatwave is also available from the DH Heatwave Plan 2009.

• Heatwave plan for England 2009
• The Met Office's Heat Health Watch (opens new window)
• NHS Choices (opens new window)