Key Summary
- UKHSA has issued its first amber heat-health alert of 2026 for central and southern England.
- A yellow heat-health alert has been issued simultaneously for northern and southwestern regions.
- Health officials are advising social care services to prepare and remind the public to check on vulnerable individuals.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued its first major heat-health alerts (HHA) of 2026.
Officials warn that high temperatures over the coming days may put vulnerable people at increased risk, prompting a reminder for health and social care services to prepare for further summer spikes.
The current alert level for the West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England, South East, and London regions will be escalated to Amber starting at 2:00 PM on Friday (22). This alert will remain in place until 5:00 PM on Wednesday (27).
In addition, a yellow heat-health alert will be active for the North East, North West, South West, and Yorkshire and the Humber regions during the exact same period.
Under the UKHSA and Met Office warning framework, an Amber alert signifies that heat impacts are highly likely to hit the wider healthcare system. This includes an increased use of services by vulnerable groups, alongside elevated health risks for individuals over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing conditions—particularly respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses.
Dr Anya Gopfert, Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA, stressed the importance of taking simple precautions over the coming days as even moderate heat can lead to serious health problems, especially for older people and those with certain health conditions.
