The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber heat health alert for parts of England, warning of “significant impact” on health and care services as temperatures are set to climb above 30C from Friday into next week.
The alert covers London, the east, southeast and southwest of England, and the Midlands, and is active from midday on Thursday until 8pm on Tuesday, the UKHSA announced. Less severe yellow alerts are in place across the East and West Midlands, signalling “minor impact” is likely across health and social care services, and that water‑related incidents may increase, including risks from cold water shock and drowning.
“Amber heat health alert issued across parts of England as temperatures are set to reach 33C by Monday.”
Temperatures will rise progressively, with southern regions nearing 30C by Friday. According to the Met Office, the mercury will hit 32C on Friday in East Anglia, 28C on Saturday (as the warmest air temporarily shifts away), 32C in the south and southeast of England on Sunday, and the potential for 33C in the same areas on Monday. Deputy Chief Forecaster Gregory Wolverson said: “There is currently a 40% chance of exceeding the current UK June maximum temperature record of 35.6°C, set in 1957 and 1976.”
But this heatwave will feel different from May’s. Met Office meteorologist Honor Criswick explained: “It’s a bit different to the last heatwave, because last time the humidity wasn’t as high, whereas this time the humidity is quite a bit higher. It’s just going to make it feel that bit muggier and that bit more humid during the day and overnight as well, so it just means it’s going to be more uncomfortable, the heat itself.” Her colleague Jonathan Vautrey added: “I think people will certainly be noticing how muggy it starts to feel during the second half of this weekend, and some quite uncomfortable nights for sleeping well, with overnight temperatures in the high teens across southeastern areas of England.” Humidity could also trigger thunderstorms, Criswick warned, which could bring “intense, heavy downpours” across central, southern and southeast parts of England.
The health impacts could be serious. Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “Sustained periods of warm weather can result in serious health outcomes, especially for older adults, and it is therefore important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun. We are urging health and social care services in affected regions to ensure they are prepared, and reminding people to look out for elderly relatives, neighbours, and those with underlying health conditions, making sure they are aware of the forecast and following the necessary advice.” The most vulnerable groups include older people – especially women over 75 – those who live alone or in care homes, people with long-term illnesses such as heart or lung conditions, diabetes, Parkinson’s, and some mental health conditions, as well as babies, young children, and people dependent on alcohol, drugs, or with Alzheimer’s disease.
Travel is likely to be disrupted. The heat can cause railways to melt and bend, National Rail warned, meaning speed restrictions may be in place and causing delays or cancellations. Passengers are advised to carry water, and larger stations have free refill spots. On the roads, drivers should avoid the hottest part of the day and remove everyday belongings from parked vehicles. Stationary cars can become dangerously hot rapidly, and items such as medications, aerosols, carbonated drinks, mobile phones and battery-powered gadgets can degrade or become ineffective. Official guidance warns that infants, children, older people and animals should never be left alone in vehicles or other enclosed spaces.