UKHSA issues Red heat health alert for London from Wednesday

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an Red heat-health alert (HHA) for six regions of England, including London from Wednesday. 

A Red heat-health alert will come into force for London later this week, with the capital currently under an Amber alert as temperatures are forecast to climb significantly above 30°C.

The UK Health Security Agency has issued an Amber heat-health alert for eight regions of England, including London. The Amber alert is in place from noon on Thursday 18 June until 12.59am on Wednesday 24 June, before a red alert takes effect from 1am until 11pm on Thursday 25 June. 

Heat, especially at the sort of temperatures forecast for midweek can seriously affect people’s health, particularly older adults or those with pre-existing health conditions.

It is therefore important to check on friends, family and neighbours who are more vulnerable and to take sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.

There are additional ways in which you can keep yourself and others safe during periods of hot weather, such as:

• Keeping your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
• If you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing, such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, and seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly
• Keeping out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm
• If you are going to do a physical activity (for example, exercising or walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler, such as the morning or evening
• Knowing the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them

Visit the UKHSA data dashboard for the latest details on HHAs currently in place and their duration.

Air quality

Air pollution across London is moderate Tuesday and Thursday and high on Wednesday, its expected to be low on Friday. Adults and children with lung problems, and adults with heart problems, who experience symptoms, should consider reducing strenuous physical activity, particularly outdoors.

You can find out more on air quality at Gov.uk. You can also visit or register with AirText which provides forecast maps and health information for when air quality is predicted to be moderate or above.