Heatwaves should be named as part of warning system to protect vulnerable

A group of UK scientists are calling for heatwaves to be named, like storms, as part of an early warning system to protect vulnerable people.

The UK is facing a heatwave this week, with the Met Office issuing its second ever extreme weather warning for Sunday – temperatures in some parts are expected to break records and be just shy of 40°C.

The Physiological Society is calling for improved warning systems at an event in London today, as heatwaves are set to occur more frequently due to the climate crisis.

Scientists from the largest group of physiologists in Europe will be discussing the health policy implications of the climate crisis and identifying gaps in research.

They say a naming system, similar to how the Met Office names storms alphabetically, would help to share communication about approaching severe weather through the media and government.

Speaking ahead of the event, Professor Mike Tipton from The Physiological Society, said: ‘Extreme heat isn’t just a problem on your summer holidays, due to climate change we are increasingly seeing very hot weather here in the UK. Even one day of very hot weather can present a risk, but consecutive days of high temperatures triggers a heatwave that requires specific actions to keep people safe.

‘As part of raising awareness of the threat from heatwaves in the UK, heatwaves should be named in the same was as we name storms. It makes the risk to health clear and that people can’t expect to continue as normal during the heatwave. This will aid the communication of approaching heatwaves through the media and government agencies. This is especially helpful for those who don’t have as ready access to the internet or weather apps on smartphones.

‘As the science of how the body works, physiology explains the impact of hot weather on our health. We can use this knowledge to advise on ways to keep the body cool and design early warning systems that provide tailored advice to the most vulnerable or those who have to work in the heat.’

Professor Tipton said this could help people to plan ahead and save lives, as well as assist in smart building design and urban development.

A Physiological Society report on how climate impacts on health focused on a range of topics, including physiological responses to extreme heat, sustainable diets meeting nutritional guidelines and impacts of extreme heat on vulnerable populations.

The group also identified a need for more research into indoor air quality and studies looking at the how different species respond to temperature changes, air pollution and extreme weather.

Photo by Kym MacKinnon