UKHSA issues heat alert with 'risk to health' as temperatures soar to 30C - full list of areas affected

Health officials have issued their first heat-health alert of the year as temperatures climb

Health bosses have issued the first yellow heat alert issued of the year, warning of an "increased risk to health" among vulnerable groups.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) alert covers four regions in England and will come into force at 9pm on Thursday (June 12) until 8am on Sunday (June 15).

Vulnerable groups, including those aged 65 and over or those with pre-existing health conditions, are likely to be impacted by rising temperatures, the UKHSA says.

It comes as the Met Office forecasts highs of 30C on Friday (June 13), with large parts of the UK seeing temperatures above 25C.

The Met Office has also issued three thunderstorm warnings over the next few days, however - full details here.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: "Our findings shows that even moderate heat can result in serious health outcomes, especially for older adults, and it is therefore important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.

"The forecasted high temperatures are expected to be short-lived but could primarily impact those over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions.

"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."

The UKHSA has reminded health and social care services to prepare for further alerts through summer as temperatures heat up.

According to the agency's Weather-Health alerting system ranks, a yellow alert is issued when temperatures are unlikely to impact most people, but could impact those who are particularly vulnerable. It falls below an amber or red alert.

Full list of areas affected

The first yellow heat-health alert of 2025 has been issued to cover four UK regions, all of which are in England.

The areas affected include:

• East of England
• East Midlands
• London
• South East regions of England

Staying safe in hot weather

To keep yourself and others safe during periods of hot weather, the UKHSA has urged Brits to do the following:

• Keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
• Cover up with suitable clothing if you do go outside, such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses
• Seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly
• Keeping out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm
• Do physical activities when it is cooler, such as the morning or evening
• Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them

The NHS says the signs of heat exhaustion include tiredness, dizziness, headache, feeling sick or being sick, excessive sweating or getting a heat rash, fast breathing or heartbeat, and a high temperature.

To call someone down, the NHS says to move them to a cool place, remove all unnecessary clothing, give them a cool sports or rehydration drink, and cool their skin with cold packs or cool water spray. With these steps, they should start to cool down and feel better within 30 minutes.