Health news
October 2009
News release 8 October 2009
Health impacts for a changing climate
Our climate science has been used as part of a major new book, highlighting the impacts of climate change on our health.
July 2009
News release 1 July 2009
Parts of UK in heatwave alert
Heatwave conditions have been confirmed across parts of the UK, as the Met Office raises the Heat-Health Watch to level three for London and south-east England.
Over the last few days parts of England have seen temperatures climb to highs of around 31 °C by day, but a key factor has been the night-time temperatures. Lows in some areas have not fallen below 18 °C.
News release 26 June 2009
Hot weather triggers heat-health warning
The forecast of much higher temperatures across the country next week has prompted the first ‘Heat-Health’ warning of the summer.
Although many parts of England and Wales could see highs of 30 °C, a key factor will be the night time temperatures. Lows in some areas may not fall below 18 °C.
News release 17 June 2009
Healthy Outlook® makes the difference for patients
Specially designed weather forecasts from the Met Office have made a real difference to sufferers of respiratory illnesses in the UK, results from a new survey have shown.
Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) have overwhelmingly supported the Healthy Outlook® service, and in the survey over three-quarters of those asked said it helped them stay healthier.
With over 7,500 patients surveyed, 89% said they wanted to receive the COPD service next year. The results also showed how the weather-related service encouraged around four out of ten patients to take exercise to help ease their illness — an important part of recent health advice.
March 2009
News release 23 March 2009
Healthy Outlook® for World Met. Day
Every year the World Meteorological Organization celebrates World Met. Day on 23 March. This year’s theme is weather, climate and the air we breathe.
The relationship between weather and health is becoming widely acknowledged. There is a link with both the quality of air, especially in towns and cities, and changes in temperature. With air quality declining due to increased urban pollution and emissions more people are becoming affected by heart and lung illnesses.
January 2009
News release 15 January 2009
‘Brighter Outlook’ on the way
Help is at hand for those badly affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) caused by low levels of natural light.
Developing technology from the Met Office means that accurate forecasts of light levels are being used in a trial to help people with this common mental health problem during the dark winter months.
News release 2 January 2009
Continuing cold weather, with tempertaures plunging to -9 °C, kept the Met Office health forecasting team busy.
Awards
Awards Healthy Outlook® has won
News archive
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To find out more about the Met Office’s health forecasting services and expertise please contact our Customer Centre or email health@metoffice.gov.uk
