5 UK areas issued with amber heat health alerts as heatwave warning upgraded

NewsUK NewsMet OfficeThe UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has upgraded its heat health alerts to amber for large parts of England as temperatures could hit 33C on Monday11:30, 22 May 2026Updated 11:54, 22 May 2026The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has upgraded its heat health alerts to amber for large parts of England as the country braces for a heatwave over the bank holiday weekend.‌Alerts have been upgraded from yellow to amber for the Midlands, eastern and south-east England, while yellow alerts have been issued for south-west England and across northern England. The alerts came into effect on Friday morning and will remain in place until 5pm on Wednesday (May 27).‌The Met Office forecasts that temperatures could hit 33C in south-east England on bank holiday Monday, exceeding the highest-ever temperature recorded in May, which currently stands at 32.8C.‌The national weather service warned: "The Bank Holiday weekend will see an exceptional spell of warmth for May with a notable heatwave forecast."Amber heat health alertsRegions that have been upgraded from yellow to amber alerts are:‌LondonEast MidlandsWest MidlandsEast of EnglandSouth East EnglandYellow heat health alertsRegions upgraded from no alerts to yellow are:North East EnglandNorth West EnglandYorkshire and HumberSouth West England‌A yellow health alert means the hot weather is likely to affect vulnerable groups, while an amber alert indicates that conditions could affect the wider population or the NHS, with travel disruption also possible.The UKHSA has warned there could be an increase in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions. There is also likely to be increased demand on all health services.With high temperatures expected to last until mid-week, the UKHSA is advising the public to stay hydrated, look out for vulnerable family members or neighbours, and take sensible precautions in the sun.Article continues belowSteve Kocher, Met Office deputy chief forecaster, said: "Temperatures will climb through the weekend, especially in the south, where 30C is likely to be recorded on Saturday and 32C on Sunday. Temperatures are forecast to peak on Monday when we could see 33C recorded in southern England and the Midlands."“It is likely that the May and Spring UK temperature records will be broken over the Bank Holiday weekend, with forecast temperatures surpassing the existing record of 32.8C."As well as it being hot, there will be lots of dry and sunny weather for much of the UK. There will however be more cloud and some showers in Northern Ireland and western Scotland through the weekend. With relatively low sea surface temperatures there is also likely to be some low cloud and sea fog clinging closely to western coasts."Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Met OfficeBanksHeatwave