UK heatwave likely as yellow heat health alert is issued

A yellow heat health alert has been issued across most of England, with the first heatwave of 2025 expected to bring temperatures as high as 33ºC this weekend.

Updated 17 June 2025

Temperatures are predicted to rise into the low 30ºC this weekend, according to the Met Office. They have confirmed it’s likely to be the first official heatwave of 2025.

Yorkshire and the Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, east England, the south east, the south west and London are all covered by a yellow heat health alert. which starts at 12:00 BST on Wednesday and lasts until 18:00 BST on Sunday. 

Tony Wisson, a deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “Over the next few days, settled weather and warm sunshine will allow temperatures to rise day on day. Temperatures will then rise further towards the end of the week as winds turn more southerly and even warmer air over continental Europe will be drawn across the UK. We could very well see several places exceeding 30ºC, which will be the highest temperatures of the year so far.”

What is a yellow heat health alert?

A yellow alert is the lowest level of alert on the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) system. It means there’s an increased risk to health for individuals aged over 65 years or those with pre-existing health conditions. This could lead to increased use of health care services.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: “If you have friends, family or neighbours who are more vulnerable, it is important to check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice.’’

A red alert is the highest level issued by the UKHSA which means a significant risk to life. A red heat health alert in the UK was last issued in July 2022, when temperatures exceeded 40ºC during an extreme heatwave.

Will there be a heatwave?

A heatwave is declared in the UK when a location records at least three consecutive days with temperatures exceeding the threshold for that location. The threshold for most of the north and north-west of England is 25ºC, but for London and the Home Counties, it is 28ºC.

The Met Office predicts that heatwave thresholds could be reached across much of the Midlands, the Peak District and east Wales by Saturday.

How to prepare for periods of hot weather

It’s important to know how to prepare and stay safe during extended periods of hot weather.

William Spencer, climate and first aid product manager at the British Red Cross, said: “It’s important to take care while you have fun with friends and family and avoid getting sunburn, heat stroke or becoming dehydrated. 

“Higher temperatures can make it harder for the body to cool itself and we all need to take care to manage the health risks of heat. There are several steps you can take to keep yourself and others safe.  

“We would advise people to make sure they know how to recognise the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and avoid activities in the middle of the day when temperatures are highest.  

“Other safety tips include wearing sunscreen, drinking plenty of water and drinking less alcohol. You can also help keep your home cool by keeping blinds and windows closed during the hottest parts of the day.”

Resources to help you stay safe:

• How to prepare for a heatwave
• Top tips to stay cool in hot weather
• How to keep your home cool in a heatwave
• How to keep cool at night

Hot weather will affect people in different ways and there are certain groups who are more at risk than others.

If you are a member of a vulnerable group or know someone who is likely to be more affected by a heatwave or hot weather, it’s important you are prepared for how to cope in a heatwave.

Drought already declared in parts of the UK

The first heat health alert of the year comes after a record-breaking dry spring period. A drought has been declared across Yorkshire by the Environment Agency, following weeks of dry weather leading to low water levels in reservoirs and rivers.

England experienced its driest spring in more than 100 years, according to the Met Office.

If you’re in an area affected by drought, follow our advice on how to manage water consumption.