The Met Office reported on 11 August 2025 that temperatures were rising widely across England and Wales, with highs potentially reaching the mid-30s Celsius and some areas experiencing their fourth summer heatwave. The conditions resulted in Heat Health Alerts being issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the Met Office said.
Scotland and Northern Ireland were expected to see more cloud and occasional rain, while much of the UK was forecast to experience very warm or hot conditions. Coastal areas were expected to remain more comfortable, with temperatures in the mid to high 20s Celsius.
The Met Office published guidance attributed to the UKHSA for people more vulnerable to heat, and for those working in health or social care settings. It said high temperatures and humidity can lead to heat exhaustion or heatstroke, with symptoms including dizziness, nausea, headache, excessive sweating and confusion. Where someone shows signs of heat-related illness, the guidance is to move to a cooler place, hydrate and seek medical advice if necessary.
The Met Office set out the following points from the UKHSA guidance:
| Area | Guidance as published |
|---|---|
| Clothing | Choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made from breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen |
| Outdoor activity | Avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, typically between 11am and 3pm |
| At home | Close curtains or blinds during the day to block out direct sunlight; open windows in the early morning and late evening to allow cooler air to circulate |
| Sleeping | Use lightweight bedding, consider sleeping in the coolest room of your home, and take a cool shower before bed to help lower body temperature |
| Coastal areas | Take advantage of cooler conditions brought by sea breezes, while staying sun safe |
The Met Office said children, older adults and those with underlying health conditions should take extra care to avoid overheating. It also said that during periods of extreme heat it is important to check on vulnerable neighbours, friends and family members, and to ensure they have access to cool spaces, adequate hydration and support if needed.
"Temperatures are rising widely across England and Wales, with highs potentially reaching the mid-30s and some areas experiencing their fourth summer heatwave."
Why it matters for households
The alerts cover England and Wales, with the hottest conditions forecast inland and cooler temperatures of the mid to high 20s Celsius expected on the coast. The Met Office says the heat can affect people who are more vulnerable, including children, older adults and those with underlying health conditions, as well as people working in health or social care. The UKHSA guidance published by the Met Office covers hydration, clothing, avoiding strenuous activity between 11am and 3pm, keeping rooms shaded during the day and ventilated in the early morning and late evening, sleeping arrangements, recognising the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and checking on vulnerable neighbours, friends and family. The Met Office advises people to keep up to date with weather warnings and to use its forecast services.
What happens next
The Met Office said the heatwave was continuing and that simple precautions can make a big difference to comfort and wellbeing. No end date for the hot conditions, and no further detail of the UKHSA alert levels by region, has been reported in the information published on 11 August 2025. Households can read more on Heat-Health Alerts: Yellow, Amber and Red Explained, on who is most at risk in hot weather and on how to sign up for Heat-Health Alerts. The UK Health Security Agency page explains its alerts, outbreak advice and local teams, and the heatwaves and drought section covers wider preparation.
Sources (1)
- Met Office tips for staying cool during the heat - Met Office, metoffice.gov.uk
Heat-Health Alerts Explained
UK Health Security Agency
Why UK Summers Are Hotter
Who Is at Risk in Hot Weather
