UKHSA issues amber heat-health alerts for five regions of England

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber heat-health alerts for five regions of England, the Met Office said on 21 May 2026, warning that high temperatures over the coming days may put vulnerable people at increased risk¹. Yellow heat-health alerts were issued for southwestern and northern England¹. The Met Office said temperatures would climb through the Bank Holiday weekend, with 30°C likely on Saturday, 32°C on Sunday and a peak of 33°C forecast for Monday in southern England and the Midlands².

The two Met Office statements differ on the number of amber regions. The 21 May forecast said amber alerts had been issued for four regions of England²; the 25 May update said five¹. The later statement gives the higher figure. The alerts cover England only; no equivalent alert for Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland is reported in these statements.

The Met Office said heatwave thresholds, defined as three consecutive days at or above a set temperature, were likely to be reached in parts of the UK from Sunday, most likely in south-eastern England, and expected to become more widespread across central and western England and into parts of Wales². By 25 May it reported that thresholds had been reached in parts of the UK from Sunday¹. The all-time May temperature record stands at 32.8°C, set at Camden Square on 22 May 1922 and at Horsham, Tunbridge Wells and Regent's Park on 29 May 1944, and the Met Office said it was likely that record would be broken over the weekend¹.

The British Heart Foundation, in a statement published on 22 May, said yellow heat-health alerts had been issued across much of the Midlands and south-east England, valid from 09:00 on Friday 22 May until 17:00 on Wednesday 27 May³. It said hot weather can present specific risks for people with heart conditions because the heart has to work harder to keep the body's core temperature at normal levels, and that blood vessels dilate in the heat, which can lead to a drop in blood pressure³.

The Met Office also reported warnings from the Royal Life Saving Society UK about open water. Its head of water safety and education, Ashley Jones, said water remains dangerously cold even during a heatwave and that cold water shock is a very real danger, with sudden immersion able to cause an involuntary gasp, rapid breathing and a loss of control in the water¹. The society urged the public to choose lifeguarded locations wherever possible and, if someone is in trouble, to call 999, encourage them to float on their back and throw something that floats rather than entering the water¹. The Met Office said lifeguard rescues had more than doubled last year according to the RNLI¹.

Why it matters for households

The alerts apply to health and social care services and to people who are more vulnerable to heat, including older people and those with certain health conditions¹. The UKHSA reminded health and social care services to prepare for further alerts over the summer as temperatures rise¹. Dr Gopfert said it was important to check in on friends, family or neighbours who are more vulnerable and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and following the necessary advice¹. The British Heart Foundation advised people with heart conditions to stay cool and keep hydrated, to cover windows exposed to direct sunlight, to keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, and said those told to restrict fluid intake, for example with heart failure, should speak to their GP or heart failure nurse about other ways to keep cool³. The British Red Cross said simple steps included wearing sunscreen, drinking plenty of fluids and taking breaks from the sun¹.

What happens next

The Met Office forecast highs of 31°C for Wednesday, 30°C on Thursday, 27°C on Friday and 28°C on Saturday¹. The UKHSA said further alerts are expected over the summer as temperatures rise¹. The Met Office publishes heat-health alerts with the UKHSA; the Heat-Health Alerts: Yellow, Amber and Red Explained guide sets out what each level means, and there is a guide to how to sign up for heat-health alerts. Background on the agency is in The UK Health Security Agency: Alerts, Outbreak Advice and Local Teams.