With the UK heatwave set to continue into the early part of this week, the UKHSA has extended the heat-health alerts for a few more days.

With the country basking in searing heat for over a week and more dry, sunny conditions expected for a further few days, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended its heat-health alerts - which were originally set to be lifted on Saturday (July 11).

This latest heatwave has led to several water firms imposing hosepipe bans across the east of England, Cambridge, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and areas of Kent, as parts of the UK exceeded 30C at times.Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: "Sustained periods of warm weather can result in serious negative health outcomes across the population, so it is important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.

"Based on the current forecast, we don’t currently expect the health impacts to be as high as the heatwave we saw at the end of June but older adults and those with pre-existing conditions are still at risk. If you have friends, family, or neighbours who are more vulnerable, it is important to check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecast and are following the necessary advice."

Impacts of the heatwave

The UKHSA has said that, due to the high temperatures, large scale impacts are likely across health and social care services due to the high temperatures, including:

• a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions (there may also be impacts on younger age groups)
• increased demand on all health and social care services
• internal temperatures in hospitals and care homes may exceed the recommended threshold for clinical risk assessment
• the heat affecting the ability of the workforce to deliver services
• indoor environments overheating increasing the risk to vulnerable people living independently in community and care settings
• issues managing medicines
• staffing issues due to external factors (for example, affecting transport)
• increased demand for power exceeding capacity
• other sector starting to observe impacts (for example, travel delays)
• water-related incidents may increase, including risks from cold-water shock and drowning

Dr Sousa continued: "Simple steps such as staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day, and keeping your home cool are effective ways to help keep yourself and others safe during periods of hot weather."

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