Guidance updated with lower age threshold for heat risk

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Centre for Climate and Health Security updated two "Beat the heat" publications on 21 July 2026. Both apply to England. The change is in the list of people at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell in hot weather: the threshold for older people is now 65 years and over, where previous guidance used 75 years and above¹.

The keep cool at home checklist sets out which homes are more likely to overheat and who may be at higher risk inside them. The staying safe guidance covers heat exhaustion and heatstroke, hydration, sun protection, physical activity and keeping a home cool¹.

The checklist lists older people "especially aged 65 years and over (note change from previous guidance of aged 75 years and above)" among those at higher risk, alongside children aged 5 and under, people who live alone or are socially isolated, people with long-term health conditions (particularly heart and breathing problems), pregnant women, people taking certain medications, people who need help with routine activities, people with difficulty adapting their behaviour in warmer weather, and people at home during the hottest part of the day¹. The staying safe guidance gives the same 65 and over threshold and adds babies and young children aged 5 years and under, people with conditions including dementia, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson's disease and mobility problems, people who are already ill and dehydrated, people who experience alcohol or drug dependence, people who are physically active or work outside, people experiencing homelessness, and people who live alone and may be unable to care for themselves².

The checklist names homes more likely to overheat, including top-floor flats, homes with windows on one side only, homes with little shading, large unshaded east, west or south-facing windows, homes in densely built-up areas with little green space, some highly insulated or energy-efficient homes, homes with low efficiency appliances that release excess heat, and homes with restricted window opening such as safety catches¹.

The staying safe guidance states that all of the warmest years on record in the UK have occurred since 2002, and that in July 2022 temperatures exceeded 40°C for the first time on record. It says it is estimated that 2,803 people aged 65 years and over died due to the heat in England in 2022, and that the number of heat-related deaths per year may triple by 2050². It says UKHSA will work with the Met Office to issue alerts alongside the weather forecast during the summer if the weather is hot enough to affect people's health².

Why it matters for households

The change means households with someone aged between 65 and 74 now fall within the group the guidance describes as at higher risk of serious illness from heat, where previously the threshold was 75. The guidance says a hot home can worsen existing health conditions and can be fatal¹. It advises people to check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk, and for those at higher risk to ask others to do the same². It also advises people to continue taking all prescribed medicines unless a medical professional advises otherwise, and to call NHS 111 with any health concerns; some medicines need to be stored below 25°C or in the fridge, following the packaging instructions².

The guidance describes heat exhaustion as occurring when the body overheats and cannot cool down, and says it does not usually need emergency medical attention if the person cools down within 30 minutes. It says heatstroke is where the body is no longer able to cool down and body temperature becomes dangerously high, and that anyone who may have heatstroke should have 999 dialled and then be cooled down². It advises using electric fans if the air temperature is below 35°C, without aiming the fan directly at the body as this can lead to dehydration, and advises closing blinds and curtains on windows exposed to direct sunlight, closing external shutters or shades, moving to a cooler part of the house for sleeping, and opening windows if it is safe to when the air feels cooler outside¹.

For people in social housing, the checklist points to the local council, an accredited home improvement agency or handyperson service through First Stop Care Advice or Home Improvement Agencies, a social letting agency, a social housing provider, or Citizens Advice. It gives similar routes for owner occupiers and private renters¹.

What happens next

No further dates have been reported. The guidance says UKHSA will work with the Met Office to issue alerts alongside the weather forecast during the summer when hot weather has the potential to affect people's health².

Households can read the site's guides on who is most at risk in hot weather, how to check on older and vulnerable neighbours in the heat and the wider heatwaves and drought guide.