Amber Alerts as the Fourth Heatwave Peaks Near 35C
Amber heat-health alerts are in force across much of England as the fourth heatwave of the summer takes hold, with temperatures forecast to peak near 35C on Wednesday. The UK Health Security Agency warned of a likely rise in deaths among the elderly and vulnerable, and fire chiefs urged the public to take care amid a high wildfire risk. Drought has been declared in the driest regions.
The alerts were upgraded to amber on Tuesday across some seven regions, and come with reservoirs low and more than 23 million people under hosepipe bans after the driest spring on record. Health officials advised staying hydrated, keeping homes cool and checking on neighbours. Rail operators have warned of possible speed restrictions as the heat threatens to buckle tracks. The hot, dry conditions keep the danger of wildfires high, from Scotland to the south of England. For a country ill-suited to sustained heat, the strain on health, transport and farming is again mounting. Watch the peak on Wednesday and any move to a red alert.