UKHSA amber heat alert issued for five England regions

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber heat-health alerts for five regions of England, warning that high temperatures could create a greater risk of heat-related illness and add pressure on health services.

The amber alerts are set to run from 9 a.m. Tuesday until 6 p.m. Wednesday. UKHSA said forecasts indicate temperatures will rise above 30°C and could reach 36°C during the period.

Regions covered and alert levels

According to the agency, the amber alerts apply to the West Midlands, East Midlands, London, the south-east, and the east of England.

UKHSA said an amber classification is used when there is a higher likelihood of heat-related impacts, including illness across the population and wider strain on health and care services. The agency noted that amber sits one level below its most severe red heat-health alert.

Yellow heat alerts remain in place elsewhere

Alongside the amber warnings, UKHSA said yellow heat-health alerts remain active for the north-east, north-west, south-west, and Yorkshire and the Humber for the same time window.

The agency said yellow alerts are issued when most people are unlikely to be affected, but health impacts are still possible for some groups, particularly those who are more vulnerable.

Who faces the highest risk during the alert period UKHSA said the risk is highest for people aged 65 and older and for those who have pre-existing health conditions. It added that the effects of heat can extend beyond these groups, meaning broader parts of the population may also face health impacts.

Dr Paul Coleman, a consultant in public health at UKHSA, said temperatures are expected to exceed 30°C across central and southern parts of the country over the next few days, with generally hot conditions expected across most regions of England.

“These kind of temperatures can result in serious health outcomes across the population – particularly in those who are vulnerable, such as the elderly or those with serious health conditions – so it is important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying,” Coleman said.

Duration, potential easing, and what remains uncertain UKHSA said the hotter spell is expected to continue through midweek, before temperatures potentially ease later in the week. The agency did not provide a specific timeline for cooling beyond saying it may come after midweek.

During the alert period, UKHSA advised heightened monitoring of vulnerable people. The agency’s alert framework also reflects the possibility of wider impacts, including increased demand for health services as temperatures rise.

The extent of health impacts will depend on how high temperatures climb and how long they remain elevated across the affected regions, UKHSA said in its warning.