Britain braces for heatwave temperatures to soar
An amber heat health alert was issued for the West Midlands, East Midlands, South East, London and the East of England on Tuesday and will stay in place until 6pm on Wednesday. Much of the rest of England has been issued with yellow alerts.
Under the Weather-Health Alert system, an amber alert means a possible rise in deaths, increased pressure on health services and travel disruptions are likely.
The UK Health Security Agency and Met office have also warned of an increased health risks for individuals aged over 65 years or for those with pre-existing health conditions.
Dr Paul Coleman, a public health consultant at UKHSA, said: 'Temperatures are forecast to rise above 30C across central and southern parts of the country over the next few days, and generally hot weather is expected across most regions of England.
'These kind of temperatures can result in serious health outcomes across the population – particularly in those who are vulnerable, such as the elderly or those with serious health conditions – so it is important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.
'If you have friends, family or neighbours who are vulnerable, it is important to ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice. Check in on them if you can to make sure they know that hot weather is on the way and how to keep themselves safe.'
Last summer, the UK Health Security Agency recorded 1,311 deaths during four heatwaves.
On Tuesday, temperatures reached a sweltering 33.4C, with the highest readings recorded in Benson, Oxfordshire, Herefordshire and west London.
The all-time hottest August day on record was 35.8C in Faversham, Kent on August 10th 2003. The hottest day of 2025 so far was 35.8C, also in Faversham, on July 1.
Looking ahead, forecasters expect more hot sunshine on Wednesday, a slightly cooler Thursday, and a return to very hot weather by Friday, especially in the South East of England.
'Significant' water shortfalls
Officials have warned that England is suffering from 'nationally significant' water shortfalls.
The National Drought Group – which includes the Met Office, government, regulators, water companies, the National Farmers' Union and conservation experts – met on Monday to highlight the water-saving measures each sector is taking.
Five areas across England are officially in drought, with six more experiencing prolonged dry weather following the driest six months to July since 1976.
England is witnessing widespread environmental and agricultural impacts due to the lack of water.
NFU Vice-President Rachel Hallos said: 'British farmers and growers continue to face extremely dry conditions, with harvest underway and crop yields proving mixed across the country. Some farms are reporting a significant drop in yields, which is financially devastating for the farm business and could have impacts for the UK's overall harvest.
'Farming is a long-term industry and there is growing concern about the months ahead. Minimal grass growth means many livestock farmers are already tapping into winter feed stocks, raising the risk of higher production costs later in the year.
'Access to clean, reliable water is essential for food production. What's worked well during this drought has been early, coordinated communication with stakeholders around licence restrictions and drought permits and orders and it's crucial this continues.
'To avoid the swing between extreme drought and flooding and to secure water supplies for food production, we urgently need investment in water infrastructure and a more effective planning system.'
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