NHS Greater Manchester and Stockport NHS Foundation Trust issued a heatwave health warning on 24 June 2026, asking residents to look out for the signs of heat illness and to check on people who may be more vulnerable. The warning was issued while an amber heat-health alert was in place for the North West until Thursday 25 June1.
The trust said heat can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and can also make existing conditions worse, including heart problems, breathing problems and other serious illnesses1. It listed those most at risk as older people aged 65 and over, babies and children under five, pregnant women, people with long-term health conditions, people taking certain medicines, those who live alone, people experiencing homelessness, and anyone who works or spends long periods outside1.
The trust set out the signs of heat exhaustion as dizziness, headache, nausea, excessive sweating, cramps and feeling very thirsty. It said that if someone does not improve within 30 minutes after being cooled down and given fluids, or develops signs of heatstroke such as confusion, fast breathing, hot skin without sweating, a seizure or loss of consciousness, it is a medical emergency and 999 should be called1.
Dr Manisha Kumar, Chief Clinical Officer for NHS Manchester, said:
"We are asking people across Greater Manchester to look out for family members, friends and neighbours who may be more at risk, and to act early if someone starts to feel unwell."
The trust's advice to residents was to drink plenty of fluids and avoid too much alcohol; keep out of the sun during the hottest part of the day, between 11am and 3pm; keep homes as cool as possible by closing curtains and windows in rooms facing the sun, then opening windows later when it is cooler; check on older relatives, neighbours and others who may be more vulnerable; and continue taking prescribed medicines while checking whether they need to be stored below 25°C or in the fridge1. For non-emergency help and advice it directed people to their local pharmacy or NHS 111 online, and said parents and carers of children under five who need urgent advice should call 1111.
Why it matters for households
The alert covers the North West and was in place until Thursday 25 June1. Households in the region were the immediate audience for the warning, but the groups the trust identified as most at risk, including older people, young children, pregnant women and people with long-term conditions, are present in households across the country. The trust said heat can worsen heart and breathing problems and other serious illnesses, so the warning applies to people who may not feel unwell at the outset1. Its advice on medicines storage below 25°C or in the fridge concerns households where someone takes prescribed medicines1. The trust asked people to check on relatives, neighbours and others who may be more vulnerable, and to act early if someone starts to feel unwell1.
The heat-health alerts guide explains the yellow, amber and red levels, and the heatwaves and drought hub covers wider hot-weather planning. The Adverse Weather and Health Plan sets out how services respond, and the dehydration guide covers signs and prevention. Households can find out about signing up for heat-health alerts.
What happens next
The amber alert was in place until Thursday 25 June, according to the warning1. No further alert levels or dates beyond that have been reported.
Heat-Health Alerts Explained
