The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber heat-health alerts for six areas in England as the country prepares for its third heatwave in just seven weeks. The Met Office forecasts temperatures could reach as high as 35°C in some parts this week.
Affected Regions and Alert Details
The amber alerts cover the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East, and South West. Yellow alerts have been issued for the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the North West. The warnings will be in effect from 9am on Wednesday, July 8, until 9pm on Sunday, July 12.
Greater Manchester is expected to reach a peak of 31°C on Friday, with temperatures of 28°C on Wednesday, 30°C on Thursday, then dropping to 29°C on Saturday and 26°C on Sunday and Monday. For the North West, the heatwave threshold is three consecutive days of 25°C or more, meaning this will be Greater Manchester's third heatwave in 2026.
Forecast and Potential Impacts
The Met Office stated: "Widely across southern England and Wales, temperatures of 33°C to 34°C are possible, with a small chance of reaching 35°C in the hottest spots. Meanwhile, temperatures across Northern Ireland and southern Scotland could reach the upper 20s Celsius. Coastal areas are likely to remain a little cooler than inland locations, with sea breezes developing in places."
The hottest weather is expected on Thursday and Friday as high pressure remains dominant. The amber alert indicates significant impacts are likely across health and social care services, including:
- A rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions, with possible impacts on younger age groups
- Increased demand on health and social care services
- Internal temperatures in care settings potentially exceeding recommended thresholds for clinical risk assessment
- Heat affecting workforce ability to deliver services
- Indoor environments overheating, increasing risk to vulnerable people living independently
- Issues managing medicines
- Staffing issues due to external factors such as transport disruption
- Increased demand for power exceeding capacity
- Other sectors beginning to observe impacts, including travel delays
- Increased water-related incidents, including risks from cold-water shock and drowning
Health Advice and Precautions
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: "Sustained periods of warm weather can result in serious negative health outcomes across the population, so it is important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun. Based on the current forecast, we don’t currently expect the health impacts to be as high as the heatwave we saw at the end of June but older adults and those with pre-existing conditions are still at risk."
Dr Sousa added: "If you have friends, family, or neighbours who are more vulnerable, it is important to check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecast and are following the necessary advice. Simple steps such as staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day, and keeping your home cool are effective ways to help keep yourself and others safe during periods of hot weather."
Full List of Amber Alert Areas
- East Midlands
- West Midlands
- East of England
- London
- South East
- South West
Full List of Yellow Alert Areas
- North East
- Yorkshire and the Humber
- North West
