“Health weather forecasts” to be piloted in England

“Health weather forecasts” are being piloted in five regions of England. The forecasts are being designed to give hospitals, bed managers, and GPs early warning of increases in illnesses that may be linked to changes in the weather—such as heart attacks, strokes, respiratory diseases, infectious diseases, and broken bones.

Although levels of ultraviolet sunlight radiation and pollen counts are included in some weather forecasts, this is thought to be the first time that comprehensive weather forecasts related to health have been developed.

Dr William Bird, an Oxfordshire GP and a keen weather enthusiast, has been …