UK weather: Heat health alerts in effect as rain returns this weekend
The UK Health Security Agency has issued yellow heat health alerts for central and southern England as temperatures are expected to reach 30C. Meanwhile, parts of the UK are facing water scarcity and drought conditions, leading to hosepipe bans in several regions.
Why it matters
Extreme weather events and water scarcity are increasingly impacting public health and infrastructure in the UK, requiring ongoing government monitoring.
Image source, EPA/Shutterstock By Ben Rich Lead weather presenter Published 24 July 2026, 04:29 BST Yellow heat health alerts came into effect across central and southern England on Friday morning with temperatures forecast to reach 30C (86F) in places.
The alerts, issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), cover the East and West Midlands, eastern England, London, south-east England and south-west England and are valid from 09:00 BST on Friday until 09:00 on Sunday.
The UKHSA warns that heat is expected to cause minor impacts for health and social care services, with an increased risk to life for vulnerable people.
It comes as parts of the UK prepare to see much-needed rain this weekend - although amounts are expected to be relatively small, especially in the south.
A drought was officially declared for large parts of north and mid-Wales on Thursday.
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