**UPDATE on 11th July 2022: The UKHSA has since issued a Level 3 alert for the East Midlands and South West regions**


A Level 2 health-alert in 3 regions of the country has today been issued by the UK Health Security Agency, with the Met Office forecasting high temperatures throughout next week.

In offices or similar environments, the temperature in workplaces must be reasonable but there is no law in the UK for maximum working temperature, or when it's too hot to work.

Employers are required to stick to health and safety at work law, which includes keeping the temperature at a comfortable level, and providing clean and fresh air.

In some workplaces extreme temperatures are not seasonal but are created by the work, such as manufacturing processes. These temperatures can lead to serious health effects if not managed effectively.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: “High temperatures are predicted for a prolonged period, so make sure to follow our simple health advice to beat the heat, such as covering windows exposed to direct sunlight and making sure that fridges, freezers and fans are working properly.”

David Oliver, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, added: “We’re at the start of a stretch of warm weather for much of England and Wales, that could last for much of next week.

“In the short term, many can expect temperatures in the mid to high 20s Celsius over the weekend and then in the low 30s Celsius during the start of next week. Much of next week will remain warm for the time of year, as well as dry and sunny.”

The UKHSA alert is in place from 09:00 on Monday 11th July until 0900 on Friday 15th July, and covers the East of England, South East and London regions.


UKHSA Heat-health levels and further information (Source: UKHSA)

Level 0 covers long term planning
Level 1 relates to preparedness for heatwaves and summer
Level 2 relates to alerts and readiness
Level 3 is a heatwave action trigger
Level 4 (which has not so far been triggered) denotes a national emergency

Readers will find more detailed information on the above in the government's official Heatwave Plan for England.

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