Heatwave West Midlands: Amber heat health alert issued as Birmingham prepares for soaring temperatures of 34°C
In anticipation of an heatwave, the UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber health alert for Birmingham and the West Midlands.
An amber heat health alert has been issued today at 10am for the West Midlands, the alert will be valid from 12pm on Monday 11 August until 6pm on Wednesday 13 August.
The health alert comes as the country braces for the fourth heatwave of the year.
Birmingham is expected to see highs of 28°C at 4pm today. It’s also anticipated that tomorrow (Tuesday 12 August) will reach temperatures of 34°C.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Tom Crabtree said: “Warmth is the focus in the forecast in the first half of this week, with temperatures likely to peak on Tuesday around the mid-30s, but remaining above average in the second half of the week, particularly further to the southeast.
“The exception to the widely warm conditions will be northwest Scotland on Monday, where showers will be more frequent. Warmth will develop there from Tuesday with temperatures peaking in the mid to high 20s.”
The Met Office has issued this advice for people travelling in the heat
- Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest.
- Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat.
- Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day.
- Make sure you take water with you, if you are travelling.
More widely, across the UK there is an yellow heat health alert in all areas except the North East and North West.