Amber heat health alert issued across 29 counties as 35C heatwave looms
Amber heat health alert issued across 29 counties as 35C heatwave looms . An amber heat health alert has been issued for four UK regions as parts of the country look to breach the mid-30Cs
An amber heat health alert has been issued for four UK regions as parts of the country look to breach the mid-30Cs. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), in collaboration with the Met Office, have issued the warning for the East Midlands, South East, East of England, and London. It will come into force 9am on Wedesday until 9am on Thursday. Under the amber alert, the UKHSA warns significant impacts are “likely” due to the high temperatures. StoriesVideosYour SayThese include a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over, and impacts on younger age groups. In addition, internal temperatures in hospitals and care homes may exceed recommended thresholds and water-related incidents may increase, including risks from cold-water shock and drowning. The UKHSA warns hot weather can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, lung problems and other diseases. Older people, babies and young children are more likely to be unwell from hot weather because their bodies are less able to regulate temperature. The UKHSA warns a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over, is likely|PASome 550 people are thought to have died from heat-related causes in England and Wales during the hot weather in May 2026. However 2022, which saw parts of Britain exceed 40C for the first time on record, recorded 2,985 excess deaths as a result of the hot weather. In addition to the amber warning, a less-severe yellow alert will be in force over the same time period across Yorkshire and the Humber, the West Midlands, and the South West. In a forecast for the week ahead, the Met Office says: “From Tuesday, temperatures are expected to rise, and much of England, Wales and eastern Scotland will enjoy a dry day with sunny conditions. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:Italian embassy forced to issue apology after rude teenagers caused diplomatic episode in ThailandBenefit claimant legally getting paid equivalent of a £93,000 salaryBritain's iconic telescope could be axed as job cut fears raised amid cuts to science fundingMet Office map shows surge in hot weather this Wednesday - reaching the mid-30Cs|MET OFFICEUK peak daily temperatures in 2026|PA“This marks the start of an increasingly warm, but relatively short, spell of hot weather. ”It adds: “While Tuesday is expected to be hot in the southeast, widely reaching 29-30C, Wednesday is expected to see the peak of the heat, with maximum temperatures of 35C possible across southeastern England. ”Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Gregory Wolverson said: “This is a short-lived spell of heat, but temperatures will climb quickly through the first half of the week, particularly in the southeast. “By Wednesday, some areas could see temperatures in the mid-30Cs, and while the heat will not be widespread across the whole of the UK, it will be enough for parts of the southeast to likely meet official heatwave criteria by Thursday. Drought status in England & Wales|PA"Elsewhere, the weather will be more changeable, and the change to cooler, more unsettled conditions will arrive sooner from the north and west, with a mix of sunshine and showers. “Across northern areas, it is possible there will be heavier showers with a small risk of isolated thunderstorms through the week. ”The expected heatwave comes after record dry conditions were recorded across parts of England and Wales. Wales, which has officially entered drought status, has received less than two per cent of anticipated rainfall for the month thus far, meaning this July is on course to become the driest on record for Wales in almost 190 years. Meanwhile, parts of southern, central and eastern England are in a status of “prolonged dry weather”, the final stage before drought is declared.