UKHSA Issues Yellow Alerts as Third Heatwave of 2026 Approaches
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow heat-health alerts across five areas of England as the country prepares for its third heatwave of 2026. The alerts, effective from 12:00 PM on Saturday, July 4, until 5:00 PM on Wednesday, July 8, cover the East Midlands, South East, South West, East of England, and London.
This follows a period of record-breaking temperatures last week, when parts of the UK and Europe exceeded 37°C. Although temperatures temporarily cooled this week, the Met Office forecasts a return of hot weather due to high pressure building over the weekend, bringing dry and sunny conditions. Temperatures are expected to reach 30°C or higher by Monday, July 6.
Health Risks and Vulnerable Populations
The UKHSA warns that the forecast temperatures may lead to minor impacts on health and social care services. These include increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people, a greater risk to life for those individuals, a higher potential for indoor environments to become very warm, and an increase in water-related incidents such as cold-water shock and drowning.
The weather health alerting system, run jointly by the UKHSA and the Met Office, provides early warnings to the health and social care sector, responder community, voluntary groups, and government departments when adverse temperatures are likely to affect public health. The main risks from hot weather include dehydration, overheating, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.
The NHS identifies several groups as particularly vulnerable during hot weather: older people aged 65 and over; babies and young children aged 5 and under; individuals with underlying health conditions such as heart problems, breathing issues, dementia, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson's disease, or mobility problems; people on certain medications; those with serious mental health conditions; people already ill or dehydrated; individuals with alcohol or drug dependence; runners, cyclists, walkers, and others who spend extensive time outdoors; manual labourers; people experiencing homelessness; and those living alone who may be unable to care for themselves.
Comparison with Previous Heatwave
Despite the forecast, the Met Office notes that temperatures are not expected to feel as intense as last week due to lower humidity. According to the Met Office, "At this stage, while another period of heat is possible, it is not expected to reach the exceptional levels or humidity experienced during the recent heatwave."
The five areas under the yellow alert are: East Midlands, South East, South West, East of England, and London.
