Weather Health Alert Increased to Amber from Yellow as temperatures rise

Thursday, 19 June 2025 16:43

The heat health alerts have been raised to amber from yellow for Salisbury and the South West, as well as most of England, with temperatures continuing to rise.

An Amber Heat-health alert has been issued by the UKHSA, with the alert in effect until 23rd June 2025 at 09:00 am.

Significant impacts are likely across health and social care services due to the high temperatures, including:

A rise in deaths, particularly among those ages 65 and over or with health conditions. There may also be impacts on younger age groups
Likely increased demand on all health and social care services
Internal temperatures in care settings (hospitals and care homes) may exceed recommended threshold for clinical risk assessment
The heat affecting the ability of the workforce to deliver services
Indoor environments overheating increasing the risk to vulnerable people living independently in community and care settings
Issues managing medicines
Staffing issues due to external factors (for example, affecting transport)
Increased demand for power exceeding capacity
Other sectors starting to observe impacts (for example, travel delays)

The UKHSA says there are additional ways in which you can keep yourself and others safe during periods of hot weather, such as:

Keeping your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
If you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing, such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, and seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly
Keeping out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11 am and 3 pm
If you are going to do a physical activity (for example, exercising or walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler, such as the morning or evening
Knowing the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and what to do if you or someone else has them