Risk Status Updated – Heat health alert updated for the South East

The amber heat health alert is in effect from12PM on 18/06/2026 until 8PM on 23/06/2026 across the South East. The amber alert has a matrix score of 12. This means:

Significant impacts are likely across health and social care services due to the high temperatures, including:

  • a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions. There may also be impacts on younger age groups
  • likely increased demand on all health and social care services
  • internal temperatures in care settings (hospitals and care homes) may exceed the recommended threshold for clinical risk assessment
  • the heat affecting the ability of the workforce to deliver services
  • indoor environments overheating increasing the risk to vulnerable people living independently in community and care settings
  • issues managing medicines
  • staffing issues due to external factors (for example, affecting transport)
  • increased demand for power exceeding capacity
  • other sector starting to observe impacts (for example, travel delays)
  • water-related incidents may increase, including risks from cold-water shock and drowning

To see more help and information for heat risk click here