Region braces itself for heat after alert issued

1 hour ago

Eleanor Maslinand

Gemma Dawson,East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

News image — People are being advised to take dogs for walks in the mornings or evenings rather than in the middle of the day

Getty Images A small dog is drinking from a dripping water fountain. A person is bending down next to it and cupping their hand to create a pool of water for the dog to drink. — People are being advised to take dogs for walks in the mornings or evenings rather than in the middle of the day

A public health expert says people "need to be vigilant" after a red heat-health alert was issued for Lincolnshire.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the alert, which covers six England regions, will be in place from 01:00 on Wednesday until 23:00 BST on Thursday.

The agency said it was only the second time it had issued the alert, after it was previously put in place in July 2022, and said it indicated a risk to everyone's health.

Andy Fox, deputy director of public health at Lincolnshire County Council, said: "In weather like this, as lovely as it is, do take sensible precautions."

A bald man with rectangular black-rimmed glasses is looking directly into the camera. He is wearing a white shirt and the background is blurred but he is stood on a field with a goalpost in the background. — Andy Fox, deputy director of public health in Lincolnshire, has shared his advice on coping in the hot weather

The alert covers the East and West Midlands, South East, South West, London and the East of England and the agency said the heat could impact transport systems, food, water, energy supplies and businesses, as well as general health and social care.

Fox said the alert being put in place for Lincolnshire was "pretty unusual" and could be "hot enough to put people at risk of heatstroke and exhaustion".

"This is something that we just need to be vigilant about," he said.

"Do plan ahead, it does help to know when it's going to be at its hottest.

"Look out for each other and make sure we keep as cool as we can."

Fox advised planning physical activity, such as dogs walks, in the mornings and evenings rather than in the middle of the day, seeking shade, wearing a hat, applying suncream and drinking plenty of water.

He also urged people to keep an eye on those who are most vulnerable, not to leave pets or children in cars, and asked schools to consider if they could relax uniform rules and move sports days if necessary.

He added: "It's very important to be careful around water.

"We've heard some terrible stories in the UK in the last year of people who have sadly lost their lives."

The Met Office has also issued warnings for the county, including an extreme heat amber warning for Lincoln across Wednesday and Thursday.

The forecaster predicts highs of about 32 degrees on Thursday.

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