UK weather: Amber heat health alerts issued as temperatures to soar

BBC News reporters Cachella Smith and Alex Boyd have revealed that amber heat health alerts have been released for regions in England as temperatures are predicted to surpass 30C. These warnings will be effective from 12:00 BST on Friday until 18:00 BST on Tuesday, with the hottest days expected to be Sunday and Monday. The alerts will cover five areas – East Midlands, South East, South West, East, and London. Additionally, less severe yellow heat health alerts will be in place for Yorkshire and Humber, as well as the West Midlands.

This update on heat health alerts comes as the UK prepares for its second heatwave of 2025. The initial heatwave earlier in the year saw the highest temperature recorded at 33.2C in Charlwood, Surrey on June 21. While Scotland and Northern Ireland are projected to have temperatures around 22C in the upcoming days, England and Wales will experience significantly warmer conditions. The heat is predicted to initiate in East Anglia and South East England on Friday, with temperatures climbing to 27C.

As the weekend approaches, temperatures are expected to rise further, with the heat extending to most parts of England and Wales. Areas like the Midlands, Lincolnshire, East Anglia, and South East England could see temperatures exceeding 30C. Monday is anticipated to mark the peak of the heatwave, with temperatures possibly reaching 34C or 35C around London or Cambridge. The humid weather will intensify the discomfort of the heat, possibly leading to ‘tropical nights’ on Sunday and Monday where temperatures remain above 20C throughout the night.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is collaborating with the Met Office to issue the heat health alerts. With a focus on health risks, the UKHSA categorizes warnings into four levels – green, yellow, amber, and red. An amber warning implies that the entire healthcare system is likely to be impacted by the hot weather, which could result in challenges such as medication management, workforce capability, and exceeding recommended temperature limits in care settings. The health risks associated with the heatwave primarily affect individuals aged 65 and over or those with existing health conditions

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