WEATHER: Significant impacts on services as Midlands faces heatwave this weekend
The UK Health Security Agency has changed the heat health alert from yellow to amber.
Last updated 19th Jun 2025
As temperatures begin to soar across the Midlands, the UK Health Security Agency has replaced a prior 'yellow' heat health alert with an 'amber' alert.
It takes effect across the East and West Midlands from midday today (19 June) until 9am on Monday (23 June).
It means there will likely be significant impacts to health services and social care.
These can include:
- a rise in deaths, particularly among over 65s or those with health conditions
- increased pressure on hospitals and other health services
- impacts on how the workforce delivers services
- issues managing medicines
- staffing issues due to external factors (such as travel)
It's sparked warnings from emergency services to take care in the heat. Leicestershire Fire and Rescue posted on X warnings about keeping away from open water, which often poses its own risks. 193 people died in the UK last year from accidentally drowning.
High temperatures in the Midlands will likely remain in the 30s until Saturday.