The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber heat health alert for the East of England
Cambridgeshire Live readers have been sharing their thoughts on the recent amber heat alert and the associated risk of “heat deaths”, which has divided opinions. While some readers raised concerns about climate change and called for caution, others argued that the forecast temperatures were typical for this time of year and nothing to be alarmed about.
The heat health alert for Cambridgeshire has been upgraded, with temperatures forecast to climb as high as 28C this week. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber heat health alert covering the East of England.
The alert came into effect at approximately 12pm on June 18. Cambridgeshire is not the only affected region, with neighbouring counties including Essex and Norfolk also placed under a heat health alert.
The warning is set to remain in place for around five days, ending at 8pm on June 23, next Tuesday. The UKHSA has warned that there could be an increase in fatalities, particularly among those aged 65 and over or individuals with pre-existing health conditions, with younger age groups also potentially affected.
One reader, Garyblowpants, comments: “As we head deeper into uncharted climate change territory, the effects continue to compound with more extreme weather becoming increasingly common. It’s time for the deniers to admit they were wrong and that their arguments were always indefensible.
“Climate change doesn’t mean every day is extreme. It means the average temperature is rising over time, with more heatwaves and still some normal or cooler days. Perfect time to install a solar panel on your house.”
Calumen Nomen writes: “Are the Maldives underwater yet? What’s indefensible is spaffing all our money up the wall in the pretence that mankind can alter the climate. If and when the climate changes, we will have to adapt – not pretend we can stop it with heat-pumps and windmills.”
Rhodabike says: “Up to 28°C in June is not extreme. It’s to be expected around this time of year. A few days of pleasantly warm weather in June doesn’t indicate any cause for concern.”
Over on our Facebook page, Tony H comments: “It used to be called summer…”
Simon W says: “In short, old, very seriously ill people might want to limit how much time they spend in the sun. For everybody else, it looks like it’s going to be a lovely weekend.”
Tim C replies: “I would have thought heat ‘deaths’ would have warranted a full-on red warning, they must only be moderately bad deaths as opposed to really, really bad ones!”
Matthew B adds: “It does say ‘younger age groups’. Translation: ‘Parents, please don’t be idiots and leave your children out in the burning sun or a boiling hot car’. Some of them won’t realise it’s wrong to do so.”
Are you looking forward to the warmer weather? Comment below or HERE to have your say.
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