Amber heat health alerts for almost all of England as next heatwave begins
The UK Met Office has issued an amber heat health alert for most of England as temperatures are expected to reach 38C. This extreme weather event follows a summer of persistent heat and ongoing drought conditions.
Why it matters
Extreme heat waves pose significant risks to public health, infrastructure, and the agricultural sector, necessitating government intervention.
Image source, Getty By Simon King Lead Weather Presenter Published 11 August 2026, 02:38 BST Updated 1 hour ago The Met Office has issued a rare amber weather warning for extreme heat , external for parts of England on Thursday, where temperatures could peak at 38C.
The highest temperatures will be in parts of the east, south-east and the Midlands and may lead to impacts on transport, infrastructure and health.
The last time we saw temperatures above 36C in August was 2020 when 36.4C was recorded at Heathrow and Kew Gardens.
The Met Office warning runs from 0900 BST until 2359 on Thursday, which is when the summer's latest heatwave reaches its peak.
If the temperature does hit 38C, it would equal this year's top temperature of 38C recorded at Lingwood in Norfolk on 26 June.
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