NewsUK NewsWeatherHeat health alerts issued by the UK Health Security Agency have been upgraded to amber as the UK's fourth heatwave of the year nears12:37, 27 Jul 2026Updated 12:54, 27 Jul 2026Heat health alerts have been upgraded to amber for large parts of the country as the UK braces for its fourth heatwave of the year.‌Amber heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for East Midlands, East of England, London and South East, while yellow heat health alerts have been issued for the South West, West Midlands and Yorkshire and The Humber.‌The alerts will be in place from 9am on Wednesday, July 29, until 9am on Thursday, July 30. As yet, there are no alerts in place for the North East or North West of England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.‌An amber alert means "significant impacts are likely across health and social care services due to the high temperatures, including a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions", the agency warned. There may also be impacts on the health of younger age groups.‌The alert warns that extreme heat could also affect the ability of staff to deliver services and that temperatures inside care settings, including hospitals and care homes, may exceed recommended thresholds for clinical risk assessment.Staffing pressures may increase because of external factors, including disruption to transport. Demand for power could also exceed capacity, while other sectors, such as travel, may experience disruption.The agency also warned of an increase in water-related incidents, including risks from cold water shock and drowning.Article continues belowThis is a Breaking News story. You’ll be more likely to see our stories when any big news breaks in future by simply by clicking this link. You can also join The Mirror’s WhatsApp Community or follow us on Google News, Flipboard, Apple News, TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads - or visit The Mirror homepage.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Breaking NewsMet OfficeWeather