UK Amber Heat Alert

An amber heat health alert has been issued for large areas of England, signalling an “enhanced hot weather response” for the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, and the South East.

The alert, from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), will be in effect from 9am on Tuesday until 6pm on Wednesday, with officials warning of “significant impacts” on health and social care services due to the extreme temperatures.

This will mark the fourth heatwave of the summer in parts of the country, defined by temperatures exceeding a set threshold for three consecutive days.

A yellow heat health alert will also be in force during the same period for the North East, North West, Yorkshire, The Humber, and the South West.

According to Dr Paul Coleman, public health consultant at UKHSA, temperatures are expected to surpass 30°C (86°F) in some areas, posing serious health risks, particularly for older people and those with existing medical conditions. He urged the public to check on vulnerable friends, relatives, and neighbours to ensure they are prepared for the heat.

Sky News meteorologist Dr Christopher England said the current “heat dome” effect is shifting eastwards as low pressure moves in from the west, with southern Britain likely to see temperatures in the low 30s, possibly reaching 35°C (95°F).

On 1 July, the UK recorded its hottest day of the year so far, with 35.8°C (96.4°F) in Faversham, Kent. The Met Office defines a heatwave as three consecutive days above a location-specific temperature threshold of 25°C to 28°C (77°F to 82°F). There’s also a small chance Wales could surpass its August temperature record of 35.2°C (95.3°F) set in 1990, and “tropical nights” with temperatures above 20°C (68°F) are also possible.

The UKHSA recommends:

• Closing windows and curtains in sun-facing rooms

• Seeking shade and covering up outdoors

• Wearing sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses

• Avoiding direct sun between 11am and 3pm

• Exercising only in the cooler morning or evening hours

• Knowing the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke

The heat also increases the risk of wildfires. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) issued warnings after blazes near Wimborne in Dorset and at Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh over the weekend.

Steve Cole, RoSPA’s policy director, stressed that many wildfires are preventable through simple actions, such as disposing of cigarettes properly and avoiding open flames, especially as vegetation becomes increasingly dry.