First heat-health alert of 2023 issued as UK set for hottest day of year

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - The first heat-health warning for 2023 was issued Wednesday for areas of England, as a heatwave is anticipated to bring the hottest day of the year to the UK during the upcoming weekend.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office issued a yellow alert for six regions of England, indicating the weather may affect vulnerable populations, including individuals with pre-existing health conditions or the elderly.

The six regions include London, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, South East and South West.

"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," Dr. Agostinho Sousa, head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said in a statement.

"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," he said.

Dan Harris, Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said temperatures will increase 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," he added.