Heatwave: Amber alerts issued as hosepipe bans hit England

Amber heat health alerts have been issued across parts of England as the third heatwave of the summer brings scorching temperatures and hosepipe bans to various locations. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned of potential health risks as hot and dry weather continues to grip the country.

The alert takes effect at midday on Friday and covers the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, South West, East of England and London until 9am on Monday. This follows two other amber alerts issued in consecutive weeks at the end of June during separate heatwaves.

Temperatures soar across England

Temperatures could reach 32C in parts of central and southern England on Friday, with forecasters predicting even higher readings over the weekend. The North East, North West and Yorkshire and Humber regions will be covered by a yellow heat health alert from midday.

The alerts warn of potential rises in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with existing health conditions. Heat-related illness and fatalities have shown a clear increase as the UK experiences more frequent and intense heatwaves.

Hosepipe bans hit households

Yorkshire households became the first to face hosepipe restrictions after months of little to no rain, with Kent and Sussex following suit. Yorkshire Water introduced bans on using hosepipes for activities including watering gardens, cleaning cars and filling paddling pools as part of efforts to protect water supplies.

South East Water reported that demand for drinking water in the counties had reached "record levels since May". The company said this situation left them with no choice but to restrict hosepipe and sprinkler use to help reservoirs and underground water storage recover.

Fines for ban breaches

The restrictions prevent customers from using hosepipes to water gardens and plants, clean vehicles, fill swimming pools or ponds, or clean paths, walls and windows. Customers who ignore the bans could face fines of up to £1,000.

Possible highs of 33C on Saturday mean the third heatwave will fall short of the top temperatures of 34.7C recorded earlier in July. However, this heatwave will be more widespread across the country, according to the Met Office.

Safety warnings issued

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has urged people to drink water regularly, seek shade and use sunscreen during the hot weather. Steve Cole, policy director at RoSPA, warned that heat is no longer just a holiday perk but a growing public health risk.

"We're seeing more frequent and intense heatwaves, both in the UK and globally, and the data shows a clear rise in heat-related illness and fatalities," Cole said.

(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.