Amber heat alert advice
11/07/2025
The conditions are likely to cause significant impacts across health and social care services
With temperatures set to hit 33 Celcius in our area today the UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber alert for most of the England south of Manchester and Sheffield.
They warn that the conditions are likely to cause significant impacts across health and social care services, particularly affecting the elderly and some younger age groups.
Amongst the areas of concern they highlight are the potential of internal temperatures in care settings exceeding the recommended threshold and the increased demand for power exceeding the grids capacity.
Oxford University Hospital Trust said that by mid-afternoon attendances at the Emergency Department at the Horton was only marginally above normal. The Trust is sharing messages on all its social media channels on how to stay well in the warm weather:
South Central Ambulance Service has also issued advice on how to stay safe in the heat.
To minimise the risk of a heat-related emergency they urge the public to stay hydrated and limit the amount of alcohol they drink. Sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 30 should be worn. Elderly relatives and neighbours should be contacted to ensure they are OK.
The Service also highlighted the symptoms of heat exhaustion, which occurs when the body overheats. These can include tiredness, weakness, feeling faint, headache, muscle cramps and feeling or being sick.
If not resolved this can lead to heatstroke where the body is no longer able to cool down and the body temperature becomes dangerously high. Common symptoms include confusion, lack of co-ordination, a fast heartbeat, fast breathing or shortness of breath, hot skin that is not and sweating, and seizures. This is a medical emergency requiring a 999 call.
The amber heat alert began at midday today and runs until Monday morning.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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