A heat-health alert comes into effect from 12pm today (Wednesday 18 June) in Harrow, with temperatures forecast to rise sharply over the next few days.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office have issued a yellow warning for London, including Harrow, running through until 6pm on Sunday 22 June. The alert highlights potential risks to health, especially for older adults and those with long-term conditions.
Temperatures in Harrow are expected to rise to 33°C by Saturday, with several days in a row above 28°C – meeting the official definition of a heatwave in the capital.
Tony Wisson, Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “Over the next few days, settled weather and warm sunshine will allow temperatures to rise day on day… We could very well see several places exceeding 30ºC, which will be the highest temperatures of the year so far.”
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, added: “Our findings show that even moderate heat can result in serious health outcomes, especially for older adults… If you have friends, family or neighbours who are more vulnerable, it is important to check in on them…”
Advice from health officials includes:
- Stay hydrated, even if you’re not thirsty
- Keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm
- Wear light clothing and use sunscreen
- Keep indoor spaces cool by closing curtains in sun-facing rooms
- Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours
Common signs of heat exhaustion include dizziness, headache, and nausea. If someone’s body temperature rises above 40°C or they show signs of confusion or fainting, call 999 immediately.
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
Harrow Online reaches hundreds of thousands of readers each month and has a social media audience of more than 200,000 followers.
For news tips, press releases or enquiries, contact Chris at info@harrowonline.org.
