Heat health alerts have been raised to amber for significant parts of the UK as the nation prepares for its fourth heatwave of the year.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber heat health alerts for the East Midlands, East of England, London, and the South East regions. In addition, yellow heat health alerts have been issued for the South West, West Midlands, and Yorkshire and the Humber.
These alerts will be effective from 9 am on Wednesday, July 29, until 9 am on Thursday, July 30. Notably, no alerts have been issued for the North East, North West of England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland at this time.
The UKHSA cautioned that an amber alert indicates the likelihood of significant impacts on health and social care services due to high temperatures, potentially leading to increased mortality rates, especially among individuals aged 65 and above or those with underlying health conditions. Younger age groups may also be affected.
Concerns were also raised about the impact of extreme heat on service delivery staff and the potential for temperatures within care facilities such as hospitals and care homes to surpass recommended safety thresholds.
The agency highlighted that staffing challenges could arise due to external factors like transportation disruptions, while there could be an increased demand for power, potentially exceeding capacity. Various sectors, including travel, might experience disruptions as well.
Furthermore, the UKHSA warned of a rise in water-related incidents, including risks associated with cold water shock and drowning.
Meanwhile, yellow alerts suggest minor impacts on health and social care services, with vulnerable individuals potentially requiring increased healthcare services and facing heightened risks. Indoor environments may become uncomfortably warm, and the likelihood of water-related incidents could increase.
According to the weather service, temperatures are expected to rise into the mid-to-high 20s this week, with the south and south-east regions experiencing very warm to hot conditions by midweek.
If temperatures meet local thresholds for three consecutive days, it could mark another heatwave. So far in 2026, there have been three defined heatwaves in May, June, and July.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Gregory Wolverson remarked that while this heatwave would be brief, temperatures were projected to escalate rapidly, especially in the southeast. Some areas could witness temperatures in the mid-30Cs by Wednesday. While not nationwide, parts of the southeast may meet official heatwave criteria by Thursday.
Elsewhere, more changeable weather conditions are anticipated, with cooler and unsettled conditions arriving sooner from the north and west, bringing a mix of sunshine and showers. Northern areas might experience heavier showers with a slight risk of isolated thunderstorms throughout the week.