News

Heat-Health Watch (Met Office)

Issued at: Friday 9 July 2010 at 09:59

A Heat-Health Watch system operates in England and Wales from 1 June to 15 September each year in association with the Department of Health and theWelsh Assembly.

The Heat-Health Watch system comprises four levels of response based upon threshold maximum daytime and minimum night-time temperatures. These thresholds vary by region, but an average threshold temperature is 30 °C by day and 15 °C overnight.

Current watch level: Level 2 - Alert and Readiness in one or more regions of England and Wales

Issued at: Friday 9 July 2010 at 09:59

The probability of heatwave conditions in parts of England and Wales between 1200 on Friday and 1000 on Monday is 70%

Very warm weather is expected across southeastern parts of England over the next few days, with daytime temperatures in excess of 30C in places and night minima in the high teens. Minima in central London may not fall below 20C. Slightly cooler temperatures are expected to move across from the west later in the weekend and the beginning of next week.

A review of the Heat Health Watch will take place by 1000 each morning and an update issued if required.

Key to Map:

Light Green - Summer preparedness and long-term planning

This is the minimum state of vigilance during the summer. During this time social and healthcare services will ensure that all awareness and background preparedness work is ongoing.

Yellow - Alert and readiness

Triggered as soon as the risk is 60% or above for threshold temperatures being reached in one or more regions on at least two consecutive days and the intervening night. This is an important stage for social and healthcare services who will be working to ensure readiness and swift action to reduce harm from a potential heatwave.

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