Birmingham weather: yellow heat-health alert issued by UKHSA and Met Office for the weekend

The UK has been uncharacteristically warm for the past few weeks as we enter the summer season. The Met Office and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have issued the first heat-health alert of the year across six regions in England, including Birmingham.

There are six regions in England included in the yellow heat-health alert. These are London, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, South East and South West.

The alert is currently in place from 9am on Friday, June 9 to 9am on Monday, June 12. A yellow alert means that any impacts from the weather include an increased use of health care services by vulnerable populations.

Under a yellow alert, there is also an increased risk to health for those aged over 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Indoor environments, including health and care settings, can also potentially become very warm.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “In the coming days we are likely to experience our first sustained period of hot weather of the year so far, so it’s important that everyone ensures they keep hydrated and cool while enjoying the sun.

“Forecasted temperatures this week will primarily impact those over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. If you have friends, family or neighbours who you know are more vulnerable to the effects of hot weather, it is important you check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice.”

How to keep safe in the sun

• Check on family, friends and neighbours who might be at higher risk of becoming unwell

• Check on yourself if you are at higher risk

• Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and know what to do if you or someone else has them

• Keep out of the sun at the hottest time of day between 11am and 3pm

• Close windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun to keep your home cool

• Cover up when going outside – wear a har, sunglasses, seek shade and apply sunscreen

• Drink plenty of fluids and limit alcohol intake

Dan Harris, Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “Temperatures will rise later this week and into the weekend, with a plume of warm air being drawn in from the south. Temperatures over the weekend could peak around 30°C in some parts of England and remain well above average overnight through the weekend. 

“Coupled with the rise in temperatures is an increase in the likelihood of some potentially heavy and thundery showers, which could bring some localised disruption for some from late on Friday and into the weekend, though it is not possible to be definitive about exact details this far from the potential event.”

Birmingham Met Office weather forecast for this weekend

Friday, June 9

The weather forecast for Birmingham on Friday is cloudy changing to sunny by late morning, according to the Met Office. There will be highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C.

Saturday, June 10

On Saturday, overcast conditions will change to sunny intervals by late morning. There will be highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C.

Sunday, June 11

On Sunday there will be cloudy conditions which will change to sunny intervals by lunchtime. There will be highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C.

Monday, June 12

On Monday, the last day of the heat health alert, sunny intervals will change to cloudy conditions by lunchtime. There will be highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C.