The United Kingdom Met Office has confirmed that heat health alerts are in force across England as the country braces for the peak of its fourth heatwave this year. Temperatures are forecast to reach between 25°C and 28°C across much of England and Wales, with some areas expected to hit 34°C. Amber alerts in central and southern regions indicate a heightened risk of heat-related deaths, increased pressure on health services, and likely travel disruptions.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued these alerts for the Midlands, East Anglia, London, and south-east England, with the warnings in place until 18:00 on Wednesday. Authorities say the prolonged heat, following a dry spring and multiple summer heatwaves, has worsened the nation’s water shortage crisis. The National Drought Group, comprising the Met Office, regulators, government departments, and water companies, has labelled the situation to be “nationally significant.”
The drought is impacting both the environment and agriculture, reducing crop yields, limiting livestock feed, and damaging wetlands, rivers, and wildlife habitats. Officials are also warning of a greater wildfire threat as extreme heat combines with dry conditions to leave landscapes dangerously vulnerable.
