Urgent amber heat health alerts issued for 4 areas with 'rise in deaths' warning

Urgent amber heat health alerts issued for 4 areas with 'rise in deaths' warning Heat health alerts issued by the UK Health Security Agency have been upgraded to amber as the UK's fourth heatwave of the year nears Heat health alerts have been upgraded to amber for large parts of the country as the UK braces for its fourth heatwave of the year. Amber heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the East Midlands, East of England, London and the South East. Yellow heat health alerts have been issued for the South West, West Midlands and Yorkshire and the Humber. The alerts will be in place from 9am on Wednesday, July 29, until 9am on Thursday, July 30. As yet, there are no alerts in place for the North East or North West of England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. The Met Office has said Wednesday is expected to see the peak of the heat, with temperatures potentially hitting 35C in parts of south-east England. An amber alert means "significant impacts are likely across health and social care services due to the high temperatures, including a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions", the UKHSA warned. There may also be impacts on the health of younger age groups. The alert warns that extreme heat could affect the ability of staff to deliver services and that temperatures inside care settings, including hospitals and care homes, could exceed recommended thresholds for clinical risk assessment. Staffing pressures could increase because of external factors, including disruption to transport. Demand for power could also exceed capacity, while other sectors, such as travel, may experience disruption. The agency also warned of an increase in water-related incidents, including risks from cold water shock and drowning. Meanwhile, yellow alerts indicate that minor impacts are likely across health and social care services. Vulnerable people may make increased use of healthcare services and face a "greater risk to life", according to the UKHSA. Indoor environments may also become very warm, and water-related incidents may rise. The Met Office has said that if temperatures rise high enough to meet local thresholds for three consecutive days, another heatwave could be recorded. So far, 2026 has seen three defined heatwaves, in May, June and July. Gregory Wolverson, deputy chief forecaster at the Met Office, said: "This is a short-lived spell of heat, but temperatures will climb quickly through the first half of the week, particularly in the southeast. "By Wednesday, some areas could see temperatures in the mid-30s, and while the heat will not be widespread across the whole of the UK, it will be enough for parts of the southeast to likely meet official heatwave criteria by Thursday. "Elsewhere, the weather will be more changeable, and the change to cooler, more unsettled conditions will arrive sooner from the north and west, with a mix of sunshine and showers. Across northern areas, it is possible there will be heavier showers with a small risk of isolated thunderstorms through the week."