Severe Weather and Flooding

Heatwave

It is not just bad weather that can be dangerous

During the summer months, temperatures can rise to well over 30 degree centigrade which for the very young, elderly and seriously ill can pose a very real threat, making heart and breathing problems worse.

Although severe heatwaves are uncommon in the UK they can be fatal or at a minimum, cause discomfort. The Met Office therfore have a warning system in place that issues alerts if a heatwave is likely.

An average temperature of 30C by day and 15C overnight would trigger a health alert. Level one is the minimum alert and is in place from 1 June until 15 September (which is the period that heatwave alerts are likely to be raised).

The minimum alert simply means that people should be aware of what to do if the alert level is raised.
If a level two alert is issued, there is a high chance that a heatwave will occur within the next few days.
The level three alert is when a heatwave is happening.
The level four alert is when a heatwave is severe.

Remember that during a heatwave you should