Staffordshire County Council urged residents and visitors to take care in extreme heat on 22 June 2026, with amber heat alerts in place across the county and red alerts in the surrounding areas1. The council said the very hot weather was expected to continue until at least Thursday 25 June across the region, with a red alert coming into place from Wednesday and temperatures expected to reach 39 °C1.
In a further statement on 23 June, the council said an amber weather alert for "extreme heat" was in place across the whole of Staffordshire, with temperatures expected to reach 39 °C in some areas of the county by Thursday2. It said the Met Office had raised the alert to red for "extreme heat" covering other parts of the West Midlands, meaning a risk to life, power systems and transport2. The two statements differ in emphasis: the first describes amber alerts across the county with red alerts in surrounding areas, while the second describes an amber alert for the whole county and a red alert covering other parts of the West Midlands1.
The council renewed pleas for people not to bring barbecues to country parks because of the extremely heightened wildfire risks, or to swim in open water without proper safety measures and supervision in place1. It said the fire service reports a 70% rise in outdoor fires compared to last year1. Clear signs are in place at many locations, including at Chasewater Country Park, where swimming is not allowed unless in a designated area1.
"I would urge everyone to follow the advice on site, never enter the water alone, and avoid alcohol before being near water."
The council advised residents to keep hydrated, stay in the shade, wear sun protection and look out for others, especially older people, young children and babies and those with underlying health conditions1. Its tips included closing curtains in rooms that face the sun, drinking plenty of water as sugary, alcoholic and caffeinated drinks can make you more dehydrated, never leaving anyone in a closed and parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals, and keeping out of the sun between 11am and 3pm1. It also advised checking the ground with your hand before walking a dog, walking them in shaded areas and taking water for them, and avoiding physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day1. On open water, it said entering suddenly can trigger cold water shock, which affects breathing and can quickly lead to distress or drowning, and that anyone falling in should extend their arms and legs and float on their back until the initial effects pass1.
On 23 June the council advised people to check on elderly relatives and neighbours, or those with an underlying health condition2. It said people on multiple medicines, or medicines that might make them more likely to be badly affected by hot weather, might need looking after too, and that some medicines require a temperature of 25C or below and might need storing in the fridge temporarily2. It said older people, especially those aged 65 and over, people with long-term serious health conditions, and those who live alone and may be unable to care for themselves are especially vulnerable to high heat2. The council said it had sent information to its social care staff and care homes on beating the heat and raising awareness of the signs of heat illness and prevention2.
Why it matters for households
The alerts cover the whole of Staffordshire, with the hot weather expected to last until at least Thursday 25 June and a red alert coming into place from Wednesday1. The council describes a red alert as meaning a risk to life, power systems and transport2. Households with older residents, young children, people with underlying health conditions or people living alone are the groups the council identifies as especially vulnerable1. The council's advice covers keeping indoor rooms cooler, hydration, avoiding the sun between 11am and 3pm, checking on neighbours and medicine storage1. It also warns of heightened wildfire risk at country parks and the dangers of open water1. The Heat-Health Alerts: Yellow, Amber and Red Explained guide sets out what each alert level means, and the Heatwaves and Drought: A Household Guide covers preparing a household for hot weather.
What happens next
The red alert comes into place from Wednesday, with temperatures expected to reach 39 °C1. The hot weather is expected to continue until at least Thursday 25 June1. The council has not reported any further dates beyond that. Households can find out how to receive alerts in the guide on how to sign up for heat-health alerts.
Heat-Health Alerts Explained
