‘Rise in Deaths’ Expected as Temperatures Soar to Highest of the Year – Hospitals and Care Homes Face Crisis with Internal Temperatures Set to Exceed Safety Thresholds
A blistering heatwave threatening to send temperatures soaring to a sweltering 33C has triggered an AMBER health warning covering all of England – with experts warning of a likely rise in deaths among the elderly and vulnerable.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has escalated its alert level amid fears that the scorching conditions could overwhelm hospitals and care homes, where internal temperatures may “exceed recommended threshold for clinical risk assessment”.
Much of the UK is predicted to enter an official heatwave over the next few days, with Saturday set to deliver the highest temperatures of the year so far – potentially breaking records as the mercury climbs towards the mid-thirties.
DEADLY HEAT APPROACHING
The amber warning, which came into force from midday today (June 19), will remain in place until 9am on Monday (June 23) as Britain braces for a potentially lethal four-day scorcher.
Health chiefs have issued a stark warning that the extreme heat is likely to cause:
- A rise in deaths, “particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions
- Impacts on younger age groups
- Strain across the entire healthcare service
- Dangerous conditions in hospitals and care homes
EXPERT WARNING
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, called for Britons to take “sensible precautions while enjoying the sun” as the nation prepares for the blistering conditions.
“The forecasted high temperatures are expected to be short-lived but could primarily impact those over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions,” Dr Sousa warned.
“If you have friends, family or neighbours who are more vulnerable, it is important to check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice.”
WHERE WILL BE HOTTEST?
The scorching conditions will affect ALL regions of England:
- North East – Under amber alert
- North West – Under amber alert
- Yorkshire and The Humber – Under amber alert
- East Midlands – Under amber alert
- West Midlands – Under amber alert
- East of England – Under amber alert
- London – Under amber alert
- South East – Under amber alert
- South West – Under amber alert
Weather models suggest the peak temperatures will hit on Saturday, with 33C expected in the north-west, Midlands and along the south coast.
HEATWAVE CRITERIA MET
An official heatwave is recorded when areas reach a certain temperature for three consecutive days, with thresholds varying from 25C to 28C in different parts of the UK.
Tony Wisson, a deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, explained: “Over the next few days, settled weather and warm sunshine will allow temperatures to rise day on day.
Temperatures will then rise further towards the end of the week as winds turn more southerly and even warmer air over continental Europe will be drawn across the UK.
RECORD-BREAKING POTENTIAL
Looking ahead, weather models indicate even more extreme conditions could be on the way:
- June 29 could see 30C or above across nearly ALL of England
- June 30 may deliver a staggering 38C in 13 counties across central, eastern and southern England
- This would shatter previous June temperature records
HOSPITAL CRISIS FEARS
The UKHSA has warned that internal temperatures in hospitals and care homes may breach safety thresholds, putting vulnerable patients at severe risk.
Under the amber alert system, weather impacts are likely to be felt across the ENTIRE health service, with potential for impacts on the whole population – not just the most vulnerable.
WHAT IS AN AMBER ALERT?
The amber heat-health alert is the second-highest warning level, indicating:
- Weather impacts likely across the whole health service
- Extended period of extreme temperatures
- Potential for whole population to be at risk
- Other sectors may start to observe impacts
- Coordinated response required
Only a RED alert – indicating “significant risk to life for even the healthy population” – is more severe.
HEALTH ADVICE
The UKHSA is urging people to:
- Stay hydrated throughout the day
- Keep cool and find shade between 11am and 3pm when UV rays are strongest
- Check on elderly relatives, friends and neighbours
- Ensure vulnerable people are aware of the forecast
- Watch for signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke
CLIMATE CHANGE WARNING
The latest warning comes as a new Met Office report revealed that UK heatwaves could become longer and hotter due to escalating climate trends.
Dr Nick Dunstone, Met Office Science Fellow, said: “The well-known hot summer of 1976 had more than a fortnight above 28°C, which is a key heatwave threshold in southeast England. Our study finds that in today’s climate such conditions could persist for a month or more.”
REGIONAL BREAKDOWN
Different areas can expect varying peak temperatures:
- Yorkshire: Leeds and Huddersfield set for 27C peaks between 2pm and 6pm
- London and South East: Potentially hitting 33C on Saturday
- Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland: Mid-20s expected
STAY SAFE IN THE HEAT
As Britain prepares for what could be the hottest spell of 2025 so far, the message from health officials is clear: take this warning seriously, especially if you or someone you know is vulnerable to extreme heat.
With a “rise in deaths” predicted and the entire health service bracing for impact, this is set to be a weekend where staying cool could be a matter of life and death.
Image credit: Stephen Craven via Wikimedia Commons — Licensed under CC BY‑SA 2.0
