Amber heat health alerts and hosepipe bans across parts of England amid heatwave

Amber heat health alerts have been issued across parts of England, as hosepipe bans come into force in various locations amid the third heatwave of the summer.

The UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA’s) latest heat health warning comes as hot and dry weather scorches England, with temperatures set to rise further over the weekend.

The alert comes into effect at 12pm on Friday and will cover the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, South West, East of England and London until 9am on Monday, following two other amber alerts issued in consecutive weeks at the end of June amid two separate heatwaves.

Temperatures reached 34C in the Midlands on Friday, and the North East, North West and Yorkshire and Humber have been covered by a yellow heat health alert since midday.

The alerts warn of the potential for a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over, or with health conditions, because of the heat.

A high of 34.2C was recorded at Astwood Bank, near Worcester, on Friday, the Met Office said.

The national weather service said Wales recorded its hottest day of the year with a high of 32.4C in Cardiff’s Bute Park, and temperatures have widely reached the high twenties across the country.

Even the Scottish Highlands had very hot weather, with a high of 28.9C in Aboyne, a village in Aberdeenshire.

A 53-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman have been reported to prosecutors after two dogs died after being left inside a car in Linwood, near Glasgow.

The animals, a Maltese and an Alsatian-lurcher cross, died on Thursday and on Friday Police Scotland said the man and woman had been reported in relation to the deaths.

Elsewhere, Yorkshire Water brought in restrictions on using hosepipes for activities such as watering the garden, cleaning cars and filling paddling pools, which it said is part of its efforts to protect supplies in the face of yet more dry weather forecast for the coming weeks.

South East Water said demand for drinking water had reached “record levels since May”, adding: “This situation has left us with no choice but to restrict the use of hosepipes and sprinklers, so we can help our reservoirs and underground water storage recover.”

Similar to its Yorkshire counterpart, it means customers are banned from using a hosepipe to water gardens and plants, clean vehicles, fill swimming pools or ponds or clean paths, walls or windows.

Customers who ignore the bans could face fines of up to £1,000.

Meanwhile, fire chiefs are urging people to stay safe as they warn of the increased risk of wildfires and drowning during the heatwave.

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is asking people not to enter water in a bid to cool down and urging parents and caregivers to ensure children are supervised around water at all times.

Possible highs of 33C on Saturday mean the third heatwave will fall short of the top temperatures of 34.7C recorded earlier in July, but this heatwave will be more widespread, the Met Office said.

Temperatures reached a high of 32C on Thursday in Ross-on-Wye in Herefordshire.

Oasis told fans to prepare for “extreme sun and heat” ahead of their first gig in their home city of Manchester for nearly 16 years on Friday.

In a post on social media, the band urged concertgoers to “wear a (bucket) hat”, put on sun screen, stay hydrated, seek shade and look after one another at Heaton Park.

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) issued warnings over the risk of wildfires and tragedies in water amid the hot weather.

The fire service has responded to 23 wildfires this year, four of which occurred this week, including one in Rainham on Thursday where 80 firefighters responded to tackle a blaze spanning nine hectares.

A further 70 firefighters fought a grass fire on Wanstead Flats, near Capel Road in Manor Park, east London, on Friday .

The risk of wildfires in London is currently rated at “severe” by the Natural Hazards Partnership.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Jamie Jenkins said: “As the weather has been so dry, it only takes a few sparks to lead to a fire spreading rapidly.

“In London, this is can be dangerous because so many of our green spaces lie close to homes and other properties.”

The LFB has also attended more than 350 water-related incidents so far this year.

Mr Jenkins said: “We know people will be looking for ways to cool off during this heatwave, but please don’t be tempted to jump into open water. Sadly, we’re currently seeing around two incidents every day where someone is in difficulty in the water.

“Open water may look inviting, but it’s unpredictable. Strong currents, underwater hazards, and cold-water shock all pose serious risks.”

HM Coastguard also issued safety advice for holidaymakers heading to the coast, as data from the water incident database shows most drownings occurred in July over the last three years.

The service urged people to check the weather forecast and tide times, steer clear of cliff edges and bases, avoid mud, inform others of their whereabouts and have a fully charged phone.

Chief coastguard Pat O’Callaghan said: “We’d like the public to enjoy the warmer weather and our wonderful coastline, but they need to be aware of the risks. Mud, tides, cliffs and offshore winds can very quickly put lives in danger.”

Meanwhile the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) urged people to drink water regularly, seek shade and use sunscreen.

Steve Cole, policy director at RoSPA, said: “Heat is no longer just a holiday perk, it’s a growing public health risk.

“We’re seeing more frequent and intense heatwaves, both in the UK and globally, and the data shows a clear rise in heat-related illness and fatalities.”