The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended a yellow heat health alert, warning of increased risks to vulnerable populations and potential water-related incidents. The alert is in effect from tomorrow until next Saturday and now covers the West Midlands in addition to southern and eastern England and the East Midlands.
Southern Water has announced a hosepipe ban for one million customers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, effective July 10. This marks the second consecutive year these areas face water restrictions. South East Water's hosepipe ban for 850,000 customers in Kent began today, following record demand.
Other water companies are also implementing measures. South East Water has asked customers in parts of Hampshire and Sussex to reduce water usage during peak morning and evening hours to prevent low pressure. Anglian Water, which serves much of eastern England, has requested customers refrain from using hosepipes to conserve water, though an official ban has not been implemented.
The anticipated heatwave follows the hottest spring and June on record for England and the UK. The Met Office forecasts temperatures between 28C and 32C in London over the next week, with the highest temperatures expected next Monday. A heatwave is defined as three consecutive days where maximum temperatures meet or exceed a specific threshold, which is 28C in London.
Meteorologists attribute the warm weather to an area of high pressure building from the Azores. While temperatures are expected to rise, they are not predicted to reach the exceptional highs seen during the June heatwave, partly due to prevailing westerly winds and heat moving further east across Europe.
The UKHSA alert highlights the 'greater risk to life of vulnerable people' and the possibility of an increase in water-related incidents, including cold water shock and drowning. Health officials are concerned about further fatalities, as at least 11 people died in water-related incidents during the June heatwave, following 17 deaths during the May heatwave.
Beyond heat-related dangers, Allergy UK has warned of potential 'thunderstorm asthma.' This phenomenon can occur when thundery weather combines with high winds to carry pollen and pollutants into the atmosphere, potentially triggering or worsening asthma symptoms, particularly for those with hay fever. The charity advises people to stay indoors during storms, wear masks outdoors, take prescribed medications, and monitor their asthma closely.
Demand for air conditioning units and fans has surged following recent heatwaves. Retailers have reported units selling out rapidly, with some stores experiencing significant queues. Currys, a major electronics retailer, has noted tight supplies of air conditioning units.
The UK recorded a provisional June temperature record of 37.7C on Friday in Lingwood, Norfolk, surpassing the previous June record of 35.6C set in 1976. Last week also saw two of the UK's top ten hottest days on record. June 2026 was provisionally the warmest June in England since records began and the second warmest for the UK, with an average temperature of 17.1C in England. The year has also seen the highest May temperature on record at 35.1C in Kew Gardens, London, and England and Wales experienced their warmest spring on record in 2026.