UKHSA issues Red heat health alert for London

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a Red heat-health alert (HHA) for six regions of England, including London. 

A Red heat-health alert came into force for London at 1am on Wednesday as temperatures are forecast to climb into the high 30s°C.

The UK Health Security Agency has issued a Red heat-health alert for eight regions of England, including London. The Red alert is in place from 1am on Wednesday 24 June until 11pm on Thursday 25 June. 

Heat, especially at the sort of temperatures forecast for midweek can seriously affect people’s health, particularly older adults or those with pre-existing health conditions.

It is therefore important to check on friends, family and neighbours who are more vulnerable and to take sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.

There are additional ways in which you can keep yourself and others safe during periods of hot weather, such as:

• Keeping your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
• If you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing, such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, and seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly
• Keeping out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm
• If you are going to do a physical activity (for example, exercising or walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler, such as the morning or evening
• Knowing the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them

Visit the UKHSA data dashboard for the latest details on HHAs currently in place and their duration.

Air quality

Air pollution across London is moderate Tuesday and Thursday and high on Wednesday, its expected to be low on Friday. Adults and children with lung problems, and adults with heart problems, who experience symptoms, should consider reducing strenuous physical activity, particularly outdoors.

You can find out more on air quality at Gov.uk. You can also visit or register with AirText which provides forecast maps and health information for when air quality is predicted to be moderate or above.

Cool spaces

There are a number of cool spaces you can go to in the borough if you need to cool down during the day. They are:

• Kensington Leisure Centre, W10 6EX – Open Mon to Fri 6.30am to 10pm; Sat and Sun 8am to 8pm
• Al-Manaar Culture Centre, W10 5YG – Open Mon to Fri 10am to 6pm, 7pm Wed and Thurs
• The Venture Centre, W10 5YB – Open Mon to Fri 10am to 7pm; Sat 10am to 4pm and Sun noon to 3pm
• Henry Dickens Community Centre, W11 4DH – Open Mon to Fri 10am to 6pm
• St John the Baptist, W14 8AH – Open Mon to Fri 3pm to 5pm; Sat 9am to noon and Sun 5pm to 8pm
• St Mary The Boltons, SW10 9TB – Open Mon to Fri 8.30am to 5.30pm; Sat 9am to noon and Sun 8am to noon
• Refettorio Felix at St Cuthbert’s, SW5 9EB – Open Mon to Fri noon to 2pm 
• National Army Museum, SW3 4HT – Open 10am to 5.30pm 
• FlashPoint Centre, SW10 0DS – Open Mon to Fri 10am to 2pm
   

You can also find out about cool spaces nearby and across the rest of London.