The United Kingdom is anticipating a severe heatwave with temperatures potentially reaching 35C across southeastern England, straining wildlife rescue centers, raising health concerns for vulnerable populations, and depleting blood supplies.
The RSPCA reported a significant increase in hedgehogs and foxes suffering from suspected heatstroke, with animal rescue centers operating at maximum capacity. In June, 316 hedgehogs were admitted to RSPCA wildlife centers, a 56% rise compared to the previous year. Two baby hedgehogs were found distressed in a Somerset garden and are now being cared for at the West Hatch Wildlife Centre alongside other heat-affected animals. "These animals are usually not out in the daytime, but they're coming out because they're struggling to find food and water, and ending up with heatstroke," stated Amy Ockelford, a senior press officer at the RSPCA. The charity advises the public to provide clean, cool water and shaded areas for wildlife.
Record temperatures were previously set in May and June, with July already registering 3C above average, according to provisional Met Office data. Veterinary group Inspiring Vet Care noted a 66% increase in suspected heatstroke cases treated in June this year compared to the same month two years prior, with clinics treating 179 cases.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber heat-health alert for the East Midlands, East of England, South East, and London, effective from Tuesday to Thursday. The alert warns that rising temperatures may pose increased health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups. Elderly individuals find it more difficult to regulate body temperature, and houses, especially older ones, can become extremely hot. In the May and June heatwave, an estimated 2,700 people died from heat-related causes, with over-85s accounting for more than 60% of these fatalities, according to Age UK.
NHS Blood and Transplant has issued an urgent appeal for blood and platelet donors as supplies have dropped to critically low levels due to the ongoing heatwaves. Stocks of certain blood groups are at half their target levels, with O negative, B negative, and Ro blood types being particularly scarce. O positive stocks are also low. Extreme temperatures have prevented many potential donors from giving blood and have caused the cancellation of donation sessions. The NHS is also seeing increased demand for emergency transfusions from sickle cell patients due to the hot weather, further pressuring supplies of Ro blood, which is most common in donors of Black heritage.
Over 60,000 blood donation appointments have been made available in the coming six weeks, and the NHS is encouraging eligible individuals to donate. In a related measure, Royal Parks staff have been advised to remove deckchairs from under trees due to concerns about falling branches during hot weather.