Red and Amber Heat Warnings Across the UK

June 23, 2026

The Weather health alerting system is provided by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in partnership with the Met Office, aiming to support the preparedness of health & social care services and VCFS organisations – you can keep updated on emerging heat health alerts here.

Today, Red heat health alerts have been issued for East of England, East Midlands, London, South East, South West, and West Midlands. Amber heat health alerts have been issued for the North East, North West, and Yorkshire and The Humber.

Why this matters for our Network

People sleeping rough or in insecure accommodation face a heightened risk of heat-related illness due to limited access to shade, water, and shelter. Hot weather can quickly become a health emergency for vulnerable individuals, particularly those with underlying health conditions, mental health needs, or those using alcohol and substances.

As workers and volunteers focused on supporting our community members, it can be too easy to neglect our basic needs. Its important to check in with ourselves and colleagues that we are feeling well, and encourage one another to take steps to stay safe in the heat.

Key Heat-Related Illnesses to Watch For:

Heat exhaustion
Symptoms: sweating, pale skin, fast pulse, cramps, nausea, dizziness
What to do: move to a cool area, remove outer layers, apply cool water, hydrate, seek medical help if no improvement.

Heatstroke (emergency)
Symptoms: confusion, seizures, unconsciousness
What to do: call 999 immediately, cool skin with water, hydrate if conscious, place unconscious person on their side.

If you see somebody that you think is rough sleeping during a heatwave:

  • Introduce yourself, ask how they are
  • Offer them cold water, suncream and food
  • Ask if they know how to access cool spaces locally
  • Offer to contact local outreach teams with them
  • Signpost them to local day centres

 

How to look after ourselves and our communities

Tips for Staying Safe in the Heat:

  • Drink plenty of water—even if you’re not thirsty
  • Wear a hat and loose, light-coloured clothing
  • Use sunscreen or seek shaded areas
  • Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and strenuous activity
  • Spend time in air-conditioned buildings (e.g. libraries, day centres, town halls)
  • Eat salty foods to replace electrolytes lost through sweat

 

Recommendations for Homelessness Services:

  • Keep supplies of water, sunscreen, hats, and light clothing available
  • Extend opening hours during extreme heat
  • Map and share local ‘cool spaces’, water refill points, and accessible toilets
  • Display heatwave information in places frequented by those at risk
  • Work with local authorities to ensure coordinated SWEP (Severe Weather Emergency Protocol) responses in the heat
  • Keep windows shut in the day time when it is hotter outside, shut curtains and blinds to block sunlight from coming in
  • Check in with colleagues and volunteers on how they are feeling, and encourage them to take breaks, drink water and work flexibly where possible

Key Resources: