UK extends heat health alerts as May temps hit England

Health officials have extended heat-health alerts across much of England as an unusually early and intense heatwave continues to bring record-breaking temperatures. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber alerts, indicating a medium impact, for the South West, South East, London, East of England, East Midlands, and West Midlands. Yellow alerts, signaling a lower but still significant impact, are in place for the North West, North East, and Yorkshire and the Humber.

The amber warnings, which took effect on Tuesday, are now scheduled to remain until 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 28. Officials stated the alerts are necessary because prolonged high temperatures are likely to place significant strain on health and social care services. The UKHSA warned this could lead to a rise in deaths, particularly among people aged 65 and over or those with underlying health conditions, and may also impact younger age groups.

The heatwave has already shattered records. Provisional data confirmed the UK recorded its hottest May day this week, with temperatures surpassing 35 degrees Celsius in London, exceeding the previous record of 32.8C. Meteorologists described the temperatures as...