UKHSA escalates heat health alerts to amber amid third UK heatwave this year
WeatherRising temperatures this week could increase health risks15:37, 06 Jul 2026TheUK Health Security Agency(UKHSA) hasupdated its heat-health alertsfor all regions in England, just days before thethird. . .
WeatherRising temperatures this week could increase health risks15:37, 06 Jul 2026TheUK Health Security Agency(UKHSA) hasupdated its heat-health alertsfor all regions in England, just days before thethird heatwave of the yearis set to arrive. The government agency is warning that rising temperatures this week may increasehealthrisks, particularly for vulnerable groups. As a result, the existing yellow heat-health alert for all parts of the country will be escalated to amber and will be in place from 9am on Wednesday, 8 July, until 9pm on Sunday, 12 July. The yellow heat-health alert will remain in place until Wednesday morning. Click hereto get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily NewsletterSpeaking after the announcement, 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. "The UKHSA say they will continue to monitor the situation over the coming days. Content cannot be displayed without consentTheMet Officehas said that temperatures will approach the low 30s this week before a peak of 34C on Thursday (9 July) in the South East. While a prolonged spell of hot weather is expected, forecasters say it will not be as hot and humid as last month’s heatwave. Article continues belowThe sweltering heat at the end of June saw a provisional June temperature record of 37. 7C recorded in Lingwood in Norfolk. This leapfrogs the previous June record for the UK of 35. 6C dating back to 1976 by more than 2C. Such records have usually been broken by only a fraction of a degree in the past. Choose Manchester Evening News as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value. UKHSA