Amber heat alerts issued as southern England hits 35°C

Parts of southern England are experiencing a fourth heatwave this year, with temperatures forecast to reach 35 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, July 29. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber heat-health alerts for several regions, warning of significant health risks and strain on services.

The alerts, which are in effect from Tuesday until Thursday morning, cover the East Midlands, East of England, London, and the South East. Less severe yellow alerts are also in place for Yorkshire and the Humber, the West Midlands, and the South West. Officials warn the high temperatures are likely to increase heat-related deaths, particularly among the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, and could push indoor temperatures in hospitals and care homes above safe limits.

The heat is concentrated in the southeast, with counties including Berkshire, Surrey, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Kent, Oxfordshire, East Sussex, and West Sussex forecast to see the highest readings. This contrasts sharply with conditions in northern parts of the UK, where outbreaks of rain and cooler temperatures are expected across Northern Ireland, Scotland, and northern England.