A YELLOW Heat-Health Alert has been issued for London and is in place from 23/06/2023 at 09:00 and 26/06/2023 at 09:00.

Significant impacts are possible across the health and social care sector due to the high temperatures, including: observed increase in mortality across the population likely, particularly in the 65+ age group or those with health conditions, but impacts may also be seen in younger age groups; increased demand for remote health care services likely; internal temperatures in care settings (hospitals and care homes) may exceed recommended threshold for clinical risk assessment; impact on ability of services to be delivered due to heat effects on workforce possible and many indoor environments likely to be overheating, risk to vulnerable people living independently in community as well as in care settings.

The maximum temperature is expected to be in the region of 28 - 29°C. The latest forecast is available at https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/ 

Current forecasts suggest early low cloud on Friday will clear quickly to give a day of prolonged sunny periods. Maximum temperature 25 °C. The outlook over the weekend is more variable (periods of sunshine, potential for slow moving and thundery showers, light wind throughout). Temperatures may feel very warm in the sunshine. Maximum temperature 28 °C.

Please find details below and note impacts are probable across the health and social care sector, including: increased use of healthcare services by the vulnerable population; increase in risk of mortality amongst vulnerable individuals and increased potential for indoor environments to become very warm.

During this time some actions to take:

• Ensure on very hot days, children do not take part in vigorous physical activity
• Ensure there are adequate supplies of cold drinking water and ice
• Provide children and parents/carers with advice e.g wearing loose, light coloured clothing, applying sun cream and drinking more water than usual
• Support staff to remain fit and well during spells of hot weather. For example, ensuring they have regular breaks, and have access to cool and ventilated areas
• Encourage children playing outdoors to stay in the shade as much as possible
• Keep an eye out for children who may be less likely to cope with the heat than others, (this includes SEND children, children with long-term conditions, infants) and make sure they are able to keep cool

Supporting links:

• Severe Adverse Weather & Health Plan for London Borough of Waltham Forest

• Heat-Health Alerts announcement issued by UKHSA and the Met Office

• Waltham Forest's Stay well in the Heat plan
• Latest forecast details from the Met Office
• Looking after children and those in early years settings during heatwaves: for teachers and professionals - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)