The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Centre for Climate and Health Security have updated the "Beat the heat: resources for hot weather" guidance, with the change logged on the GOV.UK page on 20 May 20261. The update states that the guidance was revised on the basis of new evidence about when temperature and UV reach their peaks1.
The page, reference GOV-19162, applies to England and was first published on 10 May 20231. Its stated purpose is to give the public information on staying safe in hot weather, including keeping the home cool1. The documents set out "who is at greatest risk of ill health from the heat, how to recognise when health may be affected by heat, and what to do if you or someone else becomes unwell as a result of the heat"1.
The update history on the page records the following changes1:
| Date | Change recorded |
|---|---|
| 10 May 2023 | First published |
| 13 March 2024 | Easy-read versions and translations of guidance, and sign-language videos of the "Keep cool at home checklist", "Stay safe in hot weather" and poster added |
| 8 July 2025 | Pregnant women added to those at higher risk |
| 30 April 2026 | Updated easy reads, British Sign Language videos and updated translations of the "Keep cool at home checklist", "Staying safe in hot weather" and "Staying safe in hot weather - easy read" added |
| 20 May 2026 | Guidance updated based on new evidence on peak times for temperature and UV |
| 21 July 2026 | New translations to "Staying safe in hot weather" added |
The page carries a "Last updated" date of 21 July 20261. The specific peak times for temperature and UV that the revised guidance now gives have not been reported in the material published on the page.
"This guidance has been updated based on new evidence on peak times for temperature and UV."
The published resources include "Beat the heat: staying safe in hot weather" in HTML and as a nine-page easy-read PDF (2.44 MB), a British Sign Language video version, a "keep cool at home checklist" in HTML and as a seven-page easy-read PDF (1.77 MB) with a BSL video, and a one-page poster (364 KB) with a BSL video1. Readers who use assistive technology and need a document in another format are asked to email publications@ukhsa.gov.uk, stating the format and the assistive technology used1. The page notes that some files may not be suitable for users of assistive technology1.
Why it matters for households
The guidance covers households in England and is aimed at the public, including people at greater risk of ill health from heat; pregnant women were added to that higher-risk group in July 20251. It covers recognising when heat may be affecting health and what to do if someone becomes unwell as a result1. The revised version reflects new evidence on when temperature and UV peak, so the timing information in the current documents differs from earlier versions; the page does not set out the revised times themselves1. The easy-read, translated and BSL versions were refreshed in April 2026, and further translations were added in July 20261. The page describes the resources as part of a wider collection on minimising the health effects of adverse weather and building community resilience1.
What happens next
No further update date is given beyond the "Last updated" date of 21 July 20261. Households preparing for hot weather can use the site's hot weather preparation checklist, the heatwaves and drought household guide and the heatwaves and drought hub. The guidance sits alongside the Adverse Weather and Health Plan, which sets out how services respond1.
Hot Weather Preparation
