Yellow heat health warning issued after heatwave

A yellow heat health alert has been issued for South West England.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the alert, which also coversedthe South East and London, would be active from 10:00 BST on Saturday until 09:00 on Tuesday.

A yellow alert means the temperatures might affect health and social care services and cause a risk to vulnerable people living independently and in care settings.

The alert comes after an amber heat alert was issued in the region from Tuesday to Friday last week.

Hot weather also resulted in a drought being declared for south-west England at the end of July and the implementation of a hosepipe ban by South West Water for most of its customers from 8 August.

The UKHSA said there was likely to be an increase in the use of healthcare services over the next few days and a greater risk to life for vulnerable people.

It said water-related incidents may increase, including risks from cold-water shock and drowning.

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