Health warnings as heatwave forecast in South East

Health authorities in the South East of England have warned people to take precautions after forecasts of high temperatures.

An amber heat-health alert for the South East has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and is expected to remain in place until 20:00 BST on Tuesday.

NHS Surrey and Sussex has also warned that hot weather could pose serious health risks, especially for vulnerable people and children, and said there could be additional pressure on health and care services.

Kent County Council's director of public health, Prof Anjan Ghosh, advised residents to "be prepared, stay cool and keep hydrated".

Prof Andrew Rhodes, joint chief medical officer at NHS Surrey and Sussex, said: "Simple measures such as drinking plenty of fluids, keeping cool indoors and avoiding the midday sun can make a real difference."

The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for "extreme heat", covering south-east England on Monday and Tuesday.

Temperatures are forecast to pass 30C and could reach 34C or higher by Tuesday.

This is likely to qualify as a heatwave in some areas, according to forecasters.

UKHSA's heat-health alert warned that "significant impacts" were likely across health services, including increased demand and the ability of the workforce to deliver services.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said urged health and social care services in affected regions to ensure they were prepared.

South East Coast Ambulance Service said that May's high temperatures led to a 30% increase in 999 calls. It urged people to "take some simple steps to stay safe in the sun".

Dr Kate Langford, NHS Kent and Medway's chief medical and outcomes officer, said: "However much we might like the sun, we know that it can have detrimental effects on our health."

She said it was especially true for young, elderly and vulnerable residents.

"By taking simple precautions, such as staying hydrated and finding shade during the hottest parts of the day, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming ill and needing the services of the NHS," Langford added.

Health officials' advice for keeping cool and staying safe includes:

• Closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
• Wear suitable clothing, seeking shade and applying sunscreen
• Avoid being in the sun during the hottest part of the day
• Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke

Derek Deadman, from Tonbridge, told BBC Radio Kent that he was trying to keep covered up where he could.

"I've just got back from Fuerteventura and that was a nice temperature there, whereas here our buildings aren't made for it," he said.

Ronnie Chilcott and Row Hemingway said they caught the bus into Tonbridge from Hildenborough on Friday "to enjoy a coffee and a scone before it got too hot".

"Now we're going home to get out of this heat," Hemingway added.

The UKHSA's alert warned that water‑related incidents may increase, including the risk from cold‑water shock and drowning.

The RNLI also warned those visiting the coast to "be aware of the dangers".

The warnings come after a 15-year-old boy died at a pond in Swanscombe, Kent, and another teenage boy died at Hawley Lake on the Hampshire-Surrey border during high temperatures in May.

Ross Macleod, water safety manager from the RNLI, added: "Air temperatures may feel warm, but UK sea temperatures are cold enough year-round to trigger cold-water shock."

The RNLI advised people struggling in the water to "float to live", letting their legs sink, if necessary, with their head tilted back and ears submerged.

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