The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended the current heat-health alerts until 11pm on Friday 26 June.
Added at 12:28 on 26 June 2026
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended the current heat-health alerts until 11pm on Friday 26 June.
Added at 09:26 on 25 June 2026
Latest update - UKHSA extends red heat-health alerts across England - GOV.UK
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended the current heat-health alerts until 11pm on Friday 26 June.
The red heat-health alert will now be in place for the South West, South East, London, East of England, West Midlands and East Midlands from 1am on Wednesday 24 June until 11pm on Friday 26 June.
All other regions of England remain under an amber alert for the same period.
The information provided in yesterday’s Parish and Communities bulletin remains current but services continue to review the latest information and if there are any updates to issue, we will keep you informed.
The latest public health guidance for communities is as follows:
Residents are reminded that simple actions can significantly reduce the risks associated with extreme heat, including dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Key advice includes:
Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty
Avoid the hottest part of the day (11am–3pm) and seek shade where possible
Only open windows to ventilate when the air outside is cooler than the air inside, opening windows during the hottest part of the day will raise indoor temperatures rather than cool things down
Keep homes cool by closing curtains or blinds in sun-facing rooms
Wear light clothing, a hat and sunscreen when outdoors
Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat
Check on older or vulnerable people regularly
UKHSA guidance emphasises that many heat-related illnesses are preventable if people follow simple advice and look out for others.
People are also reminded to take care around open water, where cold water shock and hidden hazards can pose serious risks even during hot weather.
With the World Cup currently under way, residents are also reminded that alcohol speeds up dehydration. Anyone watching the match is encouraged to alternate alcoholic drinks with water and make sure they’re in a cool space
Early signs of heat stress include heavy sweating, fatigue, dizziness and feeling overwhelmed, if you notice these, move somewhere cool, remove unnecessary clothing and drink cold water immediately. If symptoms don’t improve this may be heat exhaustion; cool the person down with damp cloths and cold packs and call NHS 111 if they’re no better within 30 minutes.
If someone is confused, has stopped sweating, has a temperature at or above 40°C or loses consciousness, call 999 immediately - this is heatstroke and is a medical emergency.
Heat can also affect mood and mental wellbeing, leaving people feeling irritable, anxious or overwhelmed. The same steps help; cool down, rest and drink water. If you’re struggling, Somerset’s Mindline is free, confidential and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: call 01823 276 892 or freephone 0800 138 1692.
Alison Bell, Director of Public Health at Somerset Council said: “This is not just uncomfortable weather - at red alert level, extreme heat poses a genuine risk to well-being, even for people who are otherwise fit and well.
“The most important things you can do are simple: stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day, drink water regularly, keep your home as cool as possible and check in on the people around you. No one is immune to heat this extreme. Please look out for yourselves and for each other.”
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