Heat-Health Watch
A Heat-Health Watch system operates in England and Wales from 1 June to 15 September each year in association with the Department of Health and the Welsh Assembly.
The Heat-Health Watch system comprises four levels of response based upon threshold maximum daytime and minimum night-time temperatures. These thresholds vary by region, but an average threshold temperature is 30 °C by day and 15 °C overnight.
This service will resume in 2012
The Heat Health watch operates between 1 June and 15 September every year. More information on this service.
Heat-Health Watch regions
Guide to Heat-Health Watch
Heatwave threshold values
| Region | Day max (°C) | Night min (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| North East England | 28 | 15 |
| North West England | 30 | 15 |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | 29 | 15 |
| East Midlands | 30 | 15 |
| West Midlands | 30 | 15 |
| East of England | 30 | 15 |
| South East England | 31 | 16 |
| London | 32 | 18 |
| South West England | 30 | 15 |
| Wales | 30 | 15 |
These temperatures could have significant effect on health if reached on at least two consecutive days and the intervening night.
Level 1: Green — Summer preparedness and long-term planning
This is the minimum state of vigilance during the summer. During this time social and healthcare services will ensure that all awareness and background preparedness work is ongoing.
Advice: If you want more information about hot weather and your health please visit www.nhs.uk. If you are concerned about your health or somebody you care for, please contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647, www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or your local pharmacist.
Level 2: Yellow — Alert and readiness
Triggered as soon as the risk is 60% or above for threshold temperatures being reached in one or more regions on at least two consecutive days and the intervening night. This is an important stage for social and healthcare services who will be working to ensure readiness and swift action to reduce harm from a potential heatwave.
Advice: Heatwaves can be dangerous, especially for the very young, very old or those with chronic diseases.
If you want more information about hot weather and your health please visit www.nhs.uk. If you are concerned about your health or somebody you care for, please contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647, www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or your local pharmacist.
Level 3: Amber — Heatwave action
Triggered when the Met Office confirms threshold temperatures for one or more regions have been reached for one day and the following night, and the forecast for the next day is greater than 90% confidence that the day threshold will be met. This stage requires social and healthcare services to target specific actions at high-risk groups.
Advice: Heatwaves can be dangerous, especially for the very young, very old or those with chronic diseases.
If you want more information about hot weather and your health please visit www.nhs.uk. If you are concerned about your health or somebody you care for, please contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647, www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or your local pharmacist.
Level 4: Red — Emergency
Reached when a heatwave is so severe and/or prolonged that its effects extend outside the health and social care system. At this level, illness and death may occur among the fit and healthy, and not just in high-risk groups.
Advice: Stay out of the sun. Keep your home as cool as possible — shutting windows during the day may help. Open them when it is cooler at night. Keep drinking fluids. If there is anyone you know who might be at special risk, for example an older person living on their own, make sure they know what to do.
If you want more information about hot weather and your health please visit www.nhs.uk. If you are concerned about your health or somebody you care for, please contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647, www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or your local pharmacist.
