THE West Midlands has been issued with a heat health warning as temperatures are set to rise.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office have issued a yellow heat-health alert for six regions of England.

The regions included in the yellow alert are:

  • London
  • South East
  • East Midlands
  • West Midlands
  • East of England
  • Yorkshire and the Humber

The alert is currently in place from 12pm on Friday (July 7) to 9am on Sunday (July 9).

The Met Office has forecast temperatures of 27C to 28C on Friday and around 30C on Saturday.

The forecasted high temperatures will be short-lived, followed by thunderstorms, but if reached it is likely that there will be some impacts across the health and social care sector.

Under the new HHA system introduced by UKHSA and the Met Office, a yellow alert means that any impacts likely include the increased use of health care services by vulnerable populations and an increase in risk to health for individuals aged over 65 years or those with pre-existing health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: "This weekend it’s important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.

"The forecasted high temperatures are expected to be short-lived, but could primarily impact those over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions.

"If you have friends, family or neighbours who are more vulnerable, it is important to check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice."

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Harris said: "Temperatures will be on the rise from Friday, with a plume of continental air allowing temperatures to reach, and perhaps locally exceed, 30°C in parts of England on Friday and Saturday.

"In addition, temperatures overnight will remain high, especially in towns and cities, which will make for an uncomfortably warm night for some.

"Temperatures are likely to start to drop from the west on Saturday and more widely into Sunday, as showers and thunderstorms sweep north-east across the country."