UK heatwave live: Amber heat health alerts come into force as temperatures expected to peak at 34C

Blackheath's parched grass ahead of England's fourth heatwaveAmber and yellow heat alerts are coming into force across the country as the UK braces for a fourth heatwave.With temperatures expected to reach 34C on Wednesday, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned the rising temperatures may increase health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups. Yorkshire and The Humber, the west Midlands and the south west of England are all under yellow alerts while the east Midlands, east of England, London and the south east are all under amber warnings.

Forecasters are warning parts of the south and south east of England could see “exceptionally severe” wildfires spread this week due to the extremely hot and dry conditions after a sweltering and exceptionally dry June left the UK’s most parched regions without rain for weeks.Fire and rescue services in England and Wales have responded to 706 wildfires so far in 2026, with 208 incidents recorded between 16 July and 28 alone, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) said.Parts of Wales have already declared drought status, while swathes of England are in “prolonged dry weather” status, which is the last stage before a drought is declared.

The Cairngorms in Scotland have been hit by a major wildfire while blazes have wrought destruction in mainland Europe this week.RecommendedUK wildfire warning issued ahead of heatwave after more than 200 recorded in last two weeksHow hot London could get in fourth heatwave of summerHere’s how you can manage heatwave anxietyWaitrose sees surprise spike in winter dishes despite heatwaveHow UK gardeners can help hedgehogs and other wildlife in the heatwaveAmber and yellow heat health alerts coming into forceA number of amber and yellow heat health alerts are coming into force from 9am on Wednesday as the most extreme heat is expected this afternoon.Yorkshire and The Humber, the west Midlands and the south west of England are all under yellow alerts.

Meanwhile the east Midlands, east of England, London and the south east are all under amber heat health alerts. UKHSA experts have warned that there will be an increased risk of life to vulnerable people with a potential rise in deaths among the elderly in areas under amber alerts.With an increased potential for indoor environments to become warm, the agency warned that care settings may exceed the recommended threshold for clinical risk assessment in areas particularly affected by the heat.

There could also be an increased incidence of water-related issues, including risks from cold‑water shock and drowning.The alerts will end at 9am on Thursday.(UKHSA)Bryony Gooch29 July 2026 08:39Mapped: Where will be the hottest today?

Temperatures are expected to peak in Chelmsford, Essex, at 34C today in what is expected to be the peak of the heatwave around 4pm.(Met Office)Bryony Gooch29 July 2026 08:18Wildlife centres ‘fit to bursting’ with hedgehogs amid scorching weatherAnimal rescue centres are “fit to bursting” with hedgehogs and foxes suffering from heatstroke during one of the hottest summers on record, the RSPCA said.Gardeners are being urged to create shaded spaces for wildlife struggling to keep cool during the scorching weather as the fourth heatwave of the year looms.

The animal welfare charity said two baby hedgehogs were found “in distress” in a back garden in Somerset and brought into the nearby West Hatch Wildlife Centre, where they are being cared for along with “several other recent admissions” due to the heat.A hedgehog being cared for after suffering heatwave (RSPCA/PA)Record-breaking temperatures were recorded in both May and June, and July has been 3C above average across the UK, according to provisional Met Office data on the month so far.Recent research from veterinary group Inspiring Vet Care found that in June this year its clinics treated 179 cases of suspected heatstroke – 66 per cent higher than the 108 cases treated in the same month two years prior.

Some 316 hedgehogs were admitted to the RSPCA’s four wildlife centres in June, a 56 per cent rise on the 202 admitted in the same month the previous year.Holly Evans29 July 2026 07:55London park staff advised not to leave deck chairs under trees Images showed widespread brown grass across Blackheath in London, with parched dry grass present in many parks in the capital following the hot weather.It comes as Royal Parks staff were advised not to leave deckchairs under trees over fears branches will fall during hot weather.

Fire chiefs said many wildfires are caused by everyday human activity, adding that “disposing of cigarettes safely, avoiding the use of disposable barbecues in open spaces and taking litter home can significantly reduce the risk of fires starting”.The parched grass of Blackheath in London (Yui Mok /PA) (PA Wire)Holly Evans29 July 2026 07:40Fires could be exceptionally severe as temperatures rise to 34CA Met Office assessment showed fires could be exceptionally severe by Wednesday if they start in parts of Londo