Staffordshire County Council issued warnings on 22 May 2026 ahead of the bank holiday weekend, reminding visitors not to light open fires or litter at the county's country parks and urging people not to take part in unsupervised open water swimming1. The council said the Fire Service reports a 70% rise in outdoor fires compared to last year1.
The council's later heatwave notice, published on 22 June 2026, sets out the position across the county and the surrounding region1:
| Area | Alert level | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Staffordshire | Amber heat alert | In place across the county1 |
| Surrounding areas | Red alert | Red alert coming into place from Wednesday, with temperatures expected to reach 39 °C1 |
The June notice states that the very hot weather is expected to continue until at least Thursday 25 June across the region1. The council is urging residents to keep hydrated, stay in the shade, wear sun protection and look out for others, especially older people, young children and babies and those with underlying health conditions1. It also renews pleas for people not to bring barbecues to country parks because of the extremely heightened wildfire risks, or to swim in open water without the proper safety measures and supervision in place1.
The council advises that open water can be much colder than expected even during hot weather, and that entering the water suddenly can trigger cold water shock, which affects breathing and can quickly lead to a loss of control or drowning1. People are strongly advised never to dive or jump straight into reservoirs or lakes for this reason, and because of hidden hazards in the water that can cause injury1. Clear signs are in place at many locations, including at Chasewater Country Park, where swimming is not allowed unless in a designated area1. For anyone falling unexpectedly into the water, the safety advice given is to extend your arms and legs and float on your back until the initial effects of cold-water shock pass, allowing you to regain control of your breathing1.
"I would urge everyone to follow the advice on site, never enter the water alone, and avoid alcohol before being near water"
Why it matters for households
The warnings cover anyone visiting or living in Staffordshire and the surrounding areas during the hot spell, with the heat expected to last until at least Thursday 25 June and a red alert from Wednesday1. The council's stated concerns are twofold: wildfire risk at country parks, where it asks visitors to leave barbecues at home, and the danger of open water, where it advises against swimming without proper safety measures and supervision1. Its heat advice includes closing curtains in rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler, noting that it may be cooler outdoors than indoors; drinking plenty of water, as sugary, alcoholic and caffeinated drinks can make you more dehydrated; never leaving anyone in a closed and parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals; keeping out of the sun between 11am and 3pm; walking in the shade, applying sunscreen and wearing a hat if going outside in the heat; avoiding physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day; and checking the ground with your hand before walking a dog, as it will be too hot for their paws if it is too hot for your hand1. The council also advises taking water when travelling1. Further detail on preventing fires in dry conditions is set out in the guide to wildfires and grass fires, with barbecues and wildfire risk in dry weather covered separately, and the wider heatwaves and drought section collects the related guidance.
What happens next
The red alert comes into place from Wednesday, with temperatures expected to reach 39 °C, and the hot weather is expected to continue until at least Thursday 25 June across the region1. No further dates beyond that period have been reported1.
Wildfires and Grass Fires
Barbecues and Wildfire Risk
