Rare amber health alert warns millions of Brits of 'rise in deaths' as 3 regions spared

A yellow heat health alert will be in place for several regions across England from tomorrow, as the government warns of a "rise in deaths". The alert will be issued for London, South East, South West, East Midlands, West Midlands and East of England, which will run between 10am 9 July 2025 until 10am 15 July 2025. This comes as a heatwave is set to descend on the UK this week, with temperatures soaring above 30C.

Over the next week, temperatures rise well into and above the minimum celsius threshold to be classed a heatwave - this is defined as three consecutive days where the temperature hits 25-28C (depending on UK regions). The weather alert, provided by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in partnership with the Met Office, gives early warning when adverse temperatures are likely to impact on the health and wellbeing of the population.

The yellow warning issued across the country has "potential for significant impacts across health and social care services from high temperatures", the government says.

This includes "a rise in deaths", particularly among those ages 65 and over or with health conditions, but there may be impacts on younger age groups too. The alert also says there will be a likely increase in demand for health services, and a risk of internal temperatures in care settings (hospitals and care homes) exceeding the recommended threshold for clinical risk assessment.

The government alert adds that the heat may affect the ability of the workforce to deliver services. There is also potential for indoor environments overheating which increases the risk to vulnerable people living independently in community and care settings.

Despite the increased heat-risks across England, the North East, North West and Yorkshire and The Humber will avoid the alerts.

According to the government website, minor impacts are still possible across the health and social care services in these regions, including: Increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people, greater risk to life of vulnerable people and increased potential for indoor environments to become very warm. However, the UKHSA says "these are not expected".

The government body has explained the ways in which you can keep yourself and others safe during periods of hot weather, such as closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun.

The advice also says to cover up with suitable clothing if you do go outside, such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, and to seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly.

Keeping out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm, is also recommended, as well as exercising when it's cooler, such as in the morning or evening.