A health alert has been issued for Salford as temperatures rise during the UK’s latest heatwave.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber heat health alert for the North West, with temperatures expected to soar over the coming days.
The warning has come into force and will last until 9pm on Friday 14 August.
It has been issued with temperatures in Salford expected to climb as high as 33C on Thursday.
The UK’s Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is warning of “significant impacts” on health and social care services.
These include a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions, increased demand on health and social care services and heat affecting the ability of the workforce to deliver services.
The UKHSA warned that the heatwave may put vulnerable people living independently in community and care settings at risk due to their homes overheating.
Officials have urged people to take simple steps to stay safe, such as drinking plenty of water, checking on vulnerable friends and family, and avoiding the sun at the hottest part of the day.
Fire chiefs have warned of sustained fire risk in the hot, dry conditions, with July the busiest on record for wildfires and firefighters responding to 185 wildfires in the first 10 days of August.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has urged people to be responsible in the hot weather and be conscious of the devastating impact lighting fires can have on local wildlife.
“If you’re heading out to enjoy the countryside, please do so responsibly and help protect our moorlands,” a spokesperson for the fire service said.
“We’ve seen first-hand the devastating impact wildfires can have on our countryside, wildlife and local communities. Help us make sure it doesn’t happen again.
“Never light a fire, barbecue or fireworks on the moors.
“One small flame can quickly spread and cause a devastating wildfire.”
It is the latest surge in heat in a summer marked by extreme weather, with a record dry July for England and Wales, widespread drought and multiple heatwaves.
Met Office chief forecaster Chris Bulmer said: “While the peak heat will be more short-lived than recent heatwaves, temperatures widely into the mid-30s Celsius on Thursday bring the potential for impacts for some, which is why a Met Office warning has been issued.
“High pressure is now becoming dominant, and temperatures will build day-by-day. Southerly and south-easterly winds will also tap into the hot conditions over Europe, which helps develop this further notable heat in what has been a hot and dry summer so far for many in the south of the UK.”
