Dr Yvonne Young, London regional lead for health protection at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “We want everyone to be able to enjoy the hot weather safely, but the extreme temperatures that are forecast for the city in the coming days can have significant health consequences for some.
“When the heat rises, it can lead to an increase in illness and deaths, with people being at risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. I would urge Londoners to check on vulnerable family, friends and neighbours, including older people, children and people with heart and lung conditions.”
On the same lines, NHS England has issued a level three heatwave alert. Cabinet Office minister Kit Malthouse warned the government is preparing for a surge in demand on the NHS and other services – as he urged the public to look out for people vulnerable in the heat.
England’s chief medical officer, Chris Whitty, shared the signs of heat exhaustion on Twitter as he said: “early intervention to cool people down and rehydrate them can be lifesaving”.