Heatwaves in the UK: how to cope with extreme heat
Learn about heatwaves in the UK, how to cope with extended periods of hot weather as well as tips for first aid and other heatwave advice.
Heatwaves are extreme weather events and, because of climate change, they are becoming more common.
2025 has seen several heatwaves with multiple heat health alerts issued. Records have also been broken for the area of the UK burnt by wildfires. A record dry spring in 2025 has left many regions in the UK at risk of a drought. In the coming decades, it is predicted periods of hot weather and heatwaves will be longer and more extreme.
Extreme heat can be dangerous. It particularly affects elderly people, babies and children, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions. People who live in urban areas and on the top floors of buildings can be especially vulnerable.
Find out how to prepare for a heatwave in the UK by exploring tips for keeping cool, learning first aid skills, and making sure you are prepared for when temperatures increase.
Check weather warnings from the Met Office
How to keep cool in a heatwave
What to do before and during a heatwave
Follow our advice on how to stay safe in a heatwave, including how to prepare for hot temperatures, driving in the heat, and supporting others.
Top tips to stay cool in a heatwave
Find out the very best ways to keep cool in extreme heat, and why you shouldn't believe some of those old myths.
How to keep your home cool in a heatwave
One in five homes in England are likely to overheat when temperatures reach heatwave levels. Use our tips and advice to make sure your home is somewhere cool so you can escape out of the heat.
How to stay cool at night during a heatwave
Quality sleep is important to your health and when temperatures rise it can be hard to drop off at night. Use these steps to make sure you get a good night's sleep even during a heatwave.
Heatwave advice for vulnerable groups
Find out more about what groups are most vulnerable and how they can be supported.
What's the difference between heat exhaustion and heatstroke?
Knowing the differences between the two could save a life.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke first aid
First aid for heatstroke
First aid advice for someone who may have heatstroke. Learn the signs, symptoms and what to do in an emergency.
First aid advice for heat exhaustion
Advice of what to do if you suspect an adult has heat exhaustion.
Dehydration first aid advice
Learn first aid advice for when someone is dehydrated, including how to spot symptoms and the steps to take to help someone in an emergency.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke advice for babies and children
Learn first aid for a child or baby who may have heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Staying safe in the water
As temperatures rise people are cooling off in water spots across the UK. Make sure you know the risks of drowning and how to help in an emergency.
First aid tips for heatwaves
It's important to stay safe even when enjoying the sunshine. Learn first aid tips for common health problems during heatwaves.
Safety advice for UK wildfires and drought
UK wildfires safety advice
Wildfires have become more frequent, widespread and intense in the UK. Here's how to protect yourself and loved ones.
Drought safety advice
Increasing temperatures and a lack of rainfall means that the UK is heading for a drought. But there are ways we can prepare.
Heatwaves and climate change
What is a heatwave?
Understand the meaning of a heatwave, as well as the impact extreme heat can have on our lives.
Explore the science of extreme weather and climate change
With flooding, storms and even tornados hitting UK shores this year, Hayley Jones from the Met Office explores the link between extreme weather and a changing climate.
In the UK and around the world, the Red Cross is united to support people affected by climate change.
Donate and save lives
You can help us support people and communities across the UK during periods of hot weather by making a one-off or regular donation.
Donate now
Give monthly