Met Office Amber Heat Health Alert

Met Office Amber Heat Health Alert

A Met Office Amber Heat Health Alert is in place until 17:00 Wednesday 27th May 2026.

An amber alert would represent a situation in which the expected impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service, with potential for the whole population to be at risk and where other sectors apart from health may also start to observe impacts, indicating that a coordinated response is required. In addition, in some circumstances a National Severe Weather Warning Service (NSWWS) Extreme Heat warning may be issued in conjunction with and aligned to the Heat Health Alert. This situation would indicate that significant impacts are expected across multiple sectors.

View details of the warning on the Weather Health Alerts site.

Hot weather can affect your health. The people most likely to be affected are the elderly, the very young, and people with pre-existing medical conditions.

If you know or look after someone that may be susceptible to the effects of this hot weather period please help make sure that they stay cool and well, and if possible check in advance that they are prepared for this hot spell.

Please follow this advice to keep cool and comfortable and reduce health risks:

Shut windows and pull down the shades when it is hotter outside. If it's safe, open them for ventilation when it is cooler.

Avoid the heat: stay out of the sun and don't go out between 11am and 3pm (the hottest part of the day).

Keep rooms cool by using shades or reflective material outside the windows. If this isn't possible, use light-coloured curtains and keep them closed (metallic blinds and dark curtains can make the room hotter).

Have cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water.

Drink cold drinks regularly, such as water and fruit juice. Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol.

Plan ahead to make sure you have enough supplies, such as food, water and any medications you need.

Identify the coolest room in the house so you know where to go to keep cool.

Wear loose, cool clothing and a hat if you go outdoors.

Also, please don’t forget about the animals in your care and view the top tips for keeping pets cool in hot weather by using the RSPCA link below.

For more information go to:

UK Health Security Agency Adverse Weather Health Plan

UKHSA & Met Office Weather Health Alerts

NHS Choices Heatwave: be prepared

WSCC Dealing with extreme weather

WSCC Preparing for emergencies

Follow WSCC on Twitter for regular updates @WSCCNews @WSCCResilience @wspublichealth

RSPCA Top tips for keeping pets cool in hot weather

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Message Sent By
Derek Pratt MBE
(NWN, MSA, Sussex)