Amber health alerts issued for UK as 34C heatwave sparks 'danger to life' warning

Amber health alerts have been issued across large parts of the UK as Brits have been warned of the potential health risks around the upcoming scorching hot temperatures.

Weather alerts have been upgraded from yellow to amber across a huge part of the country on Friday morning as temperatures are set to reach34C in some parts of the nation this weekend. An amber warning means the weather could pose a risk to life for some people, according to the UK Health Security Agency. This warning is set to be in place for several counties until 9am on Monday morning.

This amber warning has been issued by the UKHSA for parts of the east and west Midlands, London, the east of England and the south east and south west.

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An amber alert means there is likely to be a significant impact on health and social care services due to high temperatures, including a potential rise in deaths among those over 65 or with pre-existing health conditions.

It also mean the heat could affect the delivery of health services and lead to an increase in the demand for power. A yellow weather warning has also remained in place across northern England.

This week's hot temperatures and crippling heatwave have already hit millions of Brits as a hosepipe ban has affected millions of people. South East Water will enforce the ban from July 18.

The company stressed they've "been left with no choice" but to enforce the measures so they can "protect supplies".

This comes just days after hosepipe bans were enforced in other parts of the country. The ban, by Yorkshire Water, came into effect today for more than 5.7million homes in Yorkshire, Derbyshire and North Lincolnshire.

Humans are not the only ones that should be wary of the rising temperatures this weekend as pet owners have been told to be aware of how this heat could impact their dogs.

Dog owners have been urged to carry out a five-second test before heading outside this weekend. Before heading off for their daily walk, dog owners were told to be a five-second tarmac test.

The Met Office said: "If it feels too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws." If conducting such a test makes anyone pull their hand away instantly, this is a key sign the ground is not a suitable temperature for the pup, and in such an instance, the daily walk should be abandoned.

Darker surfaces, such as the slate grey colour of tarmac, can also be hotter than lighter stones often seen in town centres and high streets.