**UK Braced for More Intense Heat as Amber Health Alert Comes into Force**
The UK is set to face another period of intense summer heat, with health and weather authorities urging the public to look out for vulnerable friends and relatives as temperatures soar. From midday on Friday, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has activated a five-day amber heat health alert for large swathes of England, spanning London, the East Midlands, South East, South West, and East of England. This heightened warning is scheduled to last until 6pm next Tuesday.
Adding to this, a yellow-level alert—indicating increased potential for impacts—is also in place for Yorkshire and the Humber and the West Midlands over the same period. The dual warnings reflect widespread concern over the health and social care pressures that such extreme temperatures can bring.
Forecasters from the Met Office anticipate that thermometers could tip 28°C across central and southern England on Friday. Conditions are expected to intensify through the weekend, with Saturday’s highs reaching 30°C and Sunday peaking at around 31°C. The hottest spell is forecast to arrive on Monday, with potential temperatures climbing between 32°C and 34°C across affected regions, confirming the arrival of a significant heatwave.
This marks the second amber alert issued by UKHSA in just two weeks—a rare occurrence demonstrating just how exceptional the current weather patterns are. Notably, the last pan-England alert was only raised in June of this year, with the month also recording a temperature of 32.2°C in Kew, West London. It was then that official heatwave criteria were met: when local temperatures remain above a set threshold for three consecutive days, varying regionally between 25°C and 28°C.
Concerns from healthcare leaders have mounted as research continues to show that such heat can cause ‘serious health outcomes’ for swathes of the population. Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, emphasises that the greatest risks are for older individuals or those managing chronic health problems. “It is critical,” Dr Sousa warned, “to check in on those who might need extra help, and to use common sense when enjoying the sunshine.”
While England prepares for oppressive heat, conditions look different for other parts of the UK. The Met Office’s Craig Snell notes that Scotland and Northern Ireland are likely to experience cooler, more unsettled weather. Western Scotland, in particular, could see bouts of heavy rain on Friday, a stark contrast to the looming heat further south.
However, for southern Britain, humidity is likely to make the heat feel even more intense. The hottest conditions are forecast around the south east on Saturday, with temperatures gradually climbing to their apex on Monday. “There is a slight chance this spell could be even warmer than the previous week’s heatwave,” Snell noted.
With Tuesday expected to usher in slightly fresher air, meteorologists still predict daytime highs between 31°C and 33°C—well above seasonal averages. A return to more typical summer conditions, with temperatures dropping to the mid-20s, is anticipated later in the week. However, these figures remain higher than what is usually expected in June.
Looking ahead, there is also the potential for thunderstorms as the heatwave begins to break down, though forecasters remain cautious regarding precise details about where or when these might hit.
Health professionals and local authorities are using the alerts to remind people to stay hydrated, avoid excess heat during the hottest parts of the day, and be vigilant for symptoms of heat exhaustion—particularly among those most at risk. As the summer continues to deliver extreme weather, the message is clear: preparation and community vigilance are essential to staying safe during the UK’s latest bout of record-breaking heat.