UKHSA extend yellow heat-health alert in Lancashire

A yellow heat-health alert was originally set to expire today (Wednesday, May 27) but has since been extended until 5pm on May 28.

The alert, which covers Lancashire, warns of possible impacts on health and social care services.

People over the age of 65 and those with health conditions are particularly at risk.

Health services may see increased demand, and indoor temperatures in hospitals and care homes may exceed the recommended threshold for clinical risk assessment.

The UKHSA has also warned of potential water-related incidents, including risks from cold-water shock and drowning.

When is the heatwave set to end?

Temperatures are expected to cool slightly in parts of the UK after several days of record-breaking heat and the deaths of six people who got into trouble in open water.

A body has been recovered from the River Ribble in Ribchester after a 12-year-old boy got into difficulty while swimming with friends.

Police said a search was launched shortly after 2pm on May 26 after a report of a concern for safety when a boy entered the river after temperatures soared across the county.

The Met Office said Tuesday was the hottest day in May on record for both England and Wales.

Meanwhile, the forecaster confirmed the record for the highest daily minimum temperature in May has provisionally been broken for a third night in a row after the mercury did not drop below 21.4C in Camborne, Cornwall, overnight.

The Met said cloud and a developing easterly flow of wind on Wednesday would lead to a “reduction in temperature highs for many areas” – although south-west England may still see 32C-33C.

In East Lancashire, temperatures are expected to peak at 23C today, with highs of 27C set for Thursday.

However, the weather is forecast for the region predicts lower temperatures on Friday and towards the weekend.