Four steps you need to take as Amber Heat Health Alert in force

The Met Office has explained exactly when and where temperatures will be highest over the days ahead

Another heatwave is set to sweep across parts of the UK during the weekend with 34C or more forecast. Amber Heat Health Alerts have been issued for the South West, South East, London and the East of England.

Amber alerts will be in force until 8pm on Tuesday, with parts of the south likely to meet the heatwave threshold during the weekend and there is a 40% chance of exceeding the highest ever temperature for June, which is 35.6C set in 1957 and 1976, the Met Office said.

Temperatures could hit 32C for some on Friday, sip slightly on Saturday then come back on Sunday before getting even higher on Monday. These temperatures are “pretty unusual even for the middle part of June”, Met Office meteorologist Alex Deakin said.

There is a small risk of the heat triggering thunderstorms on Sunday. But the hot spell may not bring the “wall-to-wall sunshine and blue skies” of the May heatwave, deputy chief forecaster, Gregory Wolverson, said. Cloud and fairly high humidity could make it feel “rather oppressive at times”, he added.

An Amber Heat Health Warning (officially called an Amber Heat-Health Alert) is an “enhanced response” warning issued in England by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in partnership with the Met Office. It is triggered when a period of hot weather is severe or prolonged enough that its impacts are expected to be felt across the entire health and social care system, potentially putting the wider public—not just high-risk groups—at risk.

What It Means for Health and Daily Life

• Widespread Impact: Unlike a Yellow alert (which mostly focuses on those who are highly vulnerable), an Amber alert means the heat is intense enough that even healthy people may start feeling the effects.
• Healthcare Pressure: It signals that hospitals, care homes, and GP surgeries are likely to see a significant surge in demand.
• Multi-Sector Disruptions: Beyond healthcare, you may start seeing heat-related disruptions in transport (like rail speed restrictions due to track buckling), power infrastructure, or workplace safety.

Who is Most at Risk?

During an Amber alert, everyone needs to be careful, but the risk rises dramatically for:

• Older adults (especially those aged 65 and over).
• People with pre-existing chronic conditions, particularly cardiovascular (heart) or respiratory (lung) diseases.
• Very young children and babies.
• Those who cannot easily keep themselves cool, such as individuals with mobility issues or those working strenuous outdoor jobs.

Standard Safety Steps to Take

When an Amber alert is active, health officials advise taking proactive measures to prevent heat exhaustion and heatstroke:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, avoiding excessive alcohol and caffeine.
• Manage Your Environment: Keep your home cool by closing blinds and windows during the hottest parts of the day, opening them at night when the temperature drops.
• Avoid Peak Heat: Stay out of the sun between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM when the sun’s rays are strongest.
• Check on Others: Take a moment to check in on vulnerable family members, friends, or neighbors to ensure they have what they need to stay cool.

Temperature records were repeatedly broken during the May heatwave with 35.1C measured at Kew Gardens and 32.9C at Cardiff’s Bute Park. There were 15 deaths in open water across the UK during May’s hot weather.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)’s amber health warning means an “increased demand” is likely to be placed on health and social care services, and could result in a rise in deaths. Those aged 65 and over, as well as those with health conditions, will be most vulnerable, it said, though there may also be impacts on younger age groups.

Less severe yellow health alerts cover the East and West Midlands, warning of minor impacts on services. The Met Office defines a heatwave as three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding a location-specific heatwave temperature threshold.

Samantha Hughes, the national water safety partner at the RNLI, said: “With warmer weather approaching, it’s important to remember that the water is still cold. Entering it unexpectedly can lead to cold water shock, causing a sudden increase in breathing and heart rate, which may trigger panic.

“If you find yourself struggling in the water, remember to Float to Live: tilt your head back so your ears are submerged, relax and control your breathing. You may need to gently use your hands to help you stay afloat, and it’s ok if your legs sink – everyone floats differently.”