North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) reported on 9 July 2026 that demand during the heatwave at the end of June reached levels it normally sees only on New Year's Eve. In one week the trust answered more than 30,000 emergency 999 calls, around 22% more than the same week last year, managed more than 24,000 emergency incidents and handled 38,000 NHS 111 calls1.
The trust said those most affected were older people and people with long-term health conditions1. Its Medical Director, Dr Chris Grant, said older people, babies and young children are more likely to become unwell in hot weather because their bodies are less able to regulate temperature, and that people with underlying medical conditions can also be vulnerable, including because of the medication they take. Certain medications can increase heat sensitivity and some impair heat awareness, he said1.
NWAS issued the figures as it warned that high temperatures look set to return to the North West in the coming days and into the following week1.
"In the last heatwave at the end of June, We saw calls peak to levels only seen on New Years Eve."
The trust set out the effects it associates with hot weather and the groups it says are at greater risk:
| Item | Detail given by NWAS |
|---|---|
| Heat-related illnesses | Overheating, dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke1 |
| Groups more likely to be unwell | Older people, babies and young children; people with underlying medical conditions, including those affected by their medication1 |
| Warning signs listed | Dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, confusion or excessive sweating1 |
| Alcohol | Causes the body to lose fluids faster, significantly increasing the risk of dehydration1 |
Dr Grant also noted that England's World Cup quarter-final match was due on the Saturday, and said that people who are drinking should alternate alcoholic drinks with water and try to stay in the shade or indoors1.
Why it matters for households
The figures cover the North West of England and the week of the late June heatwave; no equivalent breakdown for other regions of the UK has been reported in this announcement1. NWAS says further high temperatures are expected in the region in the coming days and into next week, so the same pressures on 999 and NHS 111 lines may recur1.
The trust's advice to limit the effects of hot weather is that people should drink water regularly, even if not thirsty; limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day; wear light, loose-fitting clothes, hats and sunglasses; use broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, especially for people on photosensitising medications; and watch for symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, confusion or excessive sweating, seeking medical help immediately if these are severe1. It also advises people who are drinking alcohol to alternate alcoholic drinks with water and to stay in the shade or indoors1.
For general household planning around hot weather, see the heatwaves and drought hub.
What happens next
NWAS has not published any further dates beyond its statement that high temperatures look set to return to the North West in the coming days and into next week1. No further service figures for that period have been reported.
