The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has launched a new Heat-Health Alerting (HHA) service in partnership with the Met Office.
The system will help to protect people by bringing awareness to the health effects of adverse weather conditions. This is another part of the newly launched Adverse Weather and Health Plan (AWHP), which combines the previous Heatwave and Cold Weather Plans for England, together with flooding guidance.
In alignment with the current system being used by the Met Office, the alerts will follow a colour code to indicate the severity of the weather and the potential impact:
- Green (preparedness) – No alert, weather conditions will have minimal impact on individuals health.
- Yellow (response) – Used during periods of heat or cold that could impact those who are vulnerable.
- Amber (enhanced response) – An impact to wellbeing across the health sector and wider population.
- Red (emergency response) – Risk to life, coordinated response is needed to limit impact.
Both UKHSA and the Met Office identify 1 June – 30 September as the core alert season, due to potential increased temperatures and will issue appropriate alerts when necessary.
Click here to register and receive Weather-Health Alerts and here for more information.
