UK Heatwave: Health Alerts Extended Amid Record Temperatures

POLICY WIRE — London, UK — The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended amber and yellow heat health alerts for significant portions of England and Wales, as 2026 marks the first year to record temperatures of 35C on six separate days. The alerts signify likely or possible impacts on health — and social care services due to the ongoing high temperatures.

Amber heat health alerts are in effect for the West Midlands and the South West, commencing at 9am on Sunday and concluding at 9pm on Wednesday. According to the UKHSA, these areas are expected to experience significant impacts on health and social care services, including a potential rise in deaths, particularly among individuals aged 65 and over or those with pre-existing health conditions.

Concurrently, yellow heat health alerts have been issued for the East Midlands, the North West, the South East, the East of England, and London. These alerts also span from 9am on Sunday until 9pm on Wednesday. The UKHSA indicated that similar significant impacts are possible across these regions. The agency also warned of a potential increase in water-related incidents throughout England, citing risks such as cold water shock and drowning.

The Met Office reported that Saturday is anticipated to see high temperatures ranging from 32C to 34C in Wales and south-west England. Met Office deputy chief forecaster David Hayter stated that areas of central and southern England and Wales are expected to experience several more consecutive days with temperatures exceeding 30C. Hayter added that while temperatures are projected to reach the low to mid-30s through the weekend, the focus of the heat will gradually shift towards western parts of the UK. This shift is expected to bring slightly cooler and cloudier conditions to eastern coastal areas compared to recent days, along with windier conditions across southern areas, particularly along coasts and headlands.

The Met Office announced new temperature records after Coton in the Elms, Derbyshire, registered a peak of 35.2C on Friday afternoon. Following this, Derbyshire Fire — and Rescue (DFR) confirmed it was actively combating two wildfires in the area. DFR reported addressing a moorland fire near Arnfield Farm in Glossop — and a separate ongoing fire in Tintwistle Moor.

On Friday evening, a trackside blaze involving shrubbery occurred at Stratford Station in London around 7pm, leading to rail line closures. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) reported that the fire was brought under control by approximately 9:30pm. The LFB utilized the incident to reiterate the heightened risk of wildfires during the current heatwave. The brigade’s latest assessments indicate that the wildfire risk in London is projected to escalate from an “elevated” to an “extreme” level between Saturday and Monday, driven by factors including prolonged dry weather, high temperatures, and wind speed. LFB assistant commissioner Tom Goodall stated, We want everyone across the city to enjoy the continuing heatwave but this must be done responsibly.