The UK Health Security Agency has issued amber heat-health alerts for eight England regions as the UK drought and heatwave push temperatures towards 36C this week. The alerts run from 9am on Tuesday 11 August to 9pm on Friday 14 August, with the North East under a yellow alert over the same period.
Yorkshire and the Humber, West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England, South East, London, South West and North West are covered by the amber warning. The agency said rising temperatures may increase health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Polly Ashmore on hot weather
Polly Ashmore, acting consultant in Public Health at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “It’s important that everyone is aware of the simple steps they can take to stay safe during periods of hot weather. Drinking plenty of water, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day and keeping indoor spaces cool are all things you can do to keep yourself and others safe.”
She also said: “For vulnerable groups including older adults and those with existing health conditions, warmer weather than result in serious health outcomes.”
That advice is aimed at the people most exposed when temperatures climb for several days in a row: older adults and people with existing health conditions. For everyone else, the practical steps are direct — drink water, avoid the hottest part of the day outside, and keep indoor spaces cool before conditions peak.
Downing Street and national drought group
Downing Street defended the response to the heatwave and wildfires after a meeting of the national drought group on Monday that brought together ministers, officials and the water companies. The prime minister’s official spokesman said: “We know these conditions are having a significant impact on communities, farmers and businesses across the country.”
He added: “Our climate is changing. Droughts are becoming more common, which is why we’re focused on both the immediate response and long-term resilience.” He said the government is working through the national drought group with the Environment Agency, water companies, farmers and environmental organisations to protect water supplies and minimise environmental damage.
Water supplies and response
The spokesman said the government is backing major investment in water infrastructure, including new reservoirs, while making clear that water companies must do more to cut leaks and improve resilience. That leaves the immediate alerts in place across most of England even as the longer-term response is framed around supply and infrastructure.
For now, the clearest change for people in the warned regions is the four-day window itself: from Tuesday morning through Friday evening, with the highest caution in the amber areas and a lower level of warning in the North East. The alerts end at 9pm on Friday 14 August.
