Amber heat health alert extended as latest UK heatwave sees record temperatures
Yellow and amber heat health warnings issued by the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) for large parts of England and Wales have been extended as 2026 becomes the first year in which temperatures of 35C have been recorded on six separate days.
Amber heat health warnings have been issued for the West Midlands and South West from 9am on Sunday until 9pm on Wednesday.
This means significant impacts on health and social care services are likely due to high temperatures, including an increase in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with underlying health conditions.
Yellow temperature health warnings have been issued for the East Midlands, North West, South East, East of England and London and will also be in force from 9am on Sunday until 9pm on Wednesday.
The UKHSA said similar significant impacts were possible in these areas and warned of a potential increase in water-related incidents, including risks of cold water shock and drowning, across England.
High temperatures of 32-34 degrees are expected in Wales and south-west England on Saturday, the Met Office said.
The Met has warned that there may be storms in parts of the south from Monday, but overall next week will be very dry.
Met Office deputy chief forecaster David Hayter said: “Central and southern parts of England and Wales are expected to see several more consecutive days of temperatures above 30C.
“With temperatures expected to drop into the mid-30s over the weekend, the focus of heat will gradually shift towards the western parts of England.
“This will also bring slightly cooler and cloudier conditions to the east coast areas than in recent days. It will also become windier in the southern areas, bringing breezy conditions particularly along the coasts and headlands.
“The main exception to largely dry and sunny conditions is northern Scotland, where cold weather on Friday brought rain, clouds and some heavy showers. However, conditions are expected to improve over the weekend.”
“There is a possible increase in storms in some areas in the south from Monday, but most areas will remain dry, sunny and very warm next week.”
The Met Office announced the new records after temperatures rose to 35.2C in Coton in the Elms, Derbyshire, on Friday afternoon.
Later in the evening Derbyshire Fire and Rescue (DFR) confirmed it was currently battling two bushfires in the area.
The force said it was dealing with a moorland fire near Arnfield Farm in Glossop and a separate fire burning at Tintwistle Moor.
Friday night also saw a “roadside” fire involving bush at London’s Stratford Station at around 7pm, resulting in the closure of railway lines.
The LFB reported that the fire was brought under control around 9.30pm and used the incident to reiterate the risk of wildfire during this weekend’s heatwave.
Tugay said the latest assessments showed the risk in London would rise from “high” to “extreme” from Saturday to Monday, driven by factors such as prolonged dry weather, temperature and wind speed.
LFB deputy commissioner Tom Goodall said: “We want everyone across the city to enjoy the ongoing heatwave but this needs to be done responsibly.
