Heat health warning for Lancashire
Met Office says high temperatures will be across the county this week
Yellow heat health weather warning for Lancashire
A heat health warning has been issued across Lancashire and the whole of the North West as temperatures are expected to rise this week.
Met Office forecasters have said that the consecutive days of high temperatures could mean the region hitting its fourth heatwave of the summer. Highs of 31C are expected in West Lancashire on Tuesday (August 12) while other areas of the county will see mercury levels hit 29C.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued heat health warnings for all of England, with the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London and the South East having been upgraded to amber, from 9am on Tuesday to 6pm on Wednesday.
The North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, North West and South West have yellow warnings in place over the same period. The agency has warned of significant impacts across health and social care services due to the high temperatures, including the potential for a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions.
The heatwave threshold is met when a location records at least three consecutive days with maximum temperatures exceeding a designated value, according to the Met Office. This is 25C for the North West.
The latest forecast shows temperatures will high 26C in the region on Monday (August 11), then 31C on Tuesday and 26C on Wednesday. The would mean an official heatwave being recorded.
Dr Paul Coleman, Consultant in Public Health at the UKHSA, said: "These kind of temperatures can result in serious health outcomes across the population – particularly in those who are vulnerable, such as the elderly or those with serious health conditions – so it is important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.
"If you have friends, family or neighbours who are vulnerable, it is important to ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice. Check in on them if you can to make sure they know that hot weather is on the way and how to keep themselves safe."
