Level 3 Heatwave Alert - extended

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Early years bulletin

10 August 2020

Level 3 Heatwave Alert

Please be advised that the Level 3 Heatwave Alert for our area has been extended – now valid between 1200 Thursday 6 August 2020 and 2100 Tuesday 1 August 2020. All other information below remains the same.

1.      What does this heatwave warning mean?

This is triggered as soon as the Met Office forecasts that there is a 90% chance of temperatures being high enough on at least two consecutive days to have significant effects on health. These vary from region to region, but the average threshold temperature is 30ºC during the day and 15ºC overnight. This will normally occur 2–3 days before the event is expected. As death rates rise soon after temperature increases, with many deaths occurring in the first two days, this is an important stage to ensure readiness and swift action to reduce harm from a potential heatwave. You should refer to the Public Health England Heatwave Plan for further information.

View Heatwave Plan here

2.       What is the risk?

The risk specifically for South East England is 90%.

Organisations are advised to continue to monitor the local situation, consider implementing precautionary measures and expect further information from the Joint Emergency Planning Duty Officer (JEPDO) if the risk changes.

Portsmouth forecast

The weather forecast for Portsmouth during this period can be viewed here and here.

Southampton forecast 

The weather forecast for Southampton during this period can be viewed here and here.

3.      What actions should I consider for a level 3 heatwave weather warning?

There are 5 levels in the Met Office hot weather warning system; they are summarised in the table below:

Weather warning

Please refer to the action cards in the Public Health England heatwave plan.

Beat the heat: keep cool at home - checklist

Looking after children and those in early years settings during heatwaves: guidance for teachers and professionals

4.      Covid-19

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 response, organisations may also need to consider additional actions. Specific resources to assist with this are available via the following links:

Beat the Heat: Coping with Heat and Covid-19 (Poster)

Beat the Heat: Keep residents safe and well during Covid-19

Health Heat risks and Covid-19: Actions to prevent harm

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