Met Office issues rare amber extreme heat warning for England and Wales

Daniel Hughes

The Met Office has issued a rare amber extreme heat warning for parts of England and Wales, effective from 1 am on Monday, June 22, until 11:59 pm on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. This alert covers much of southern England and south-east Wales, urging residents to take immediate precautions against high temperatures.

Amber extreme heat warning issued by Met Office on June 19, 2026.
Warning active from 1 am Monday, June 22, to 11:59 pm Tuesday, June 23.
Covers southern England and south-east Wales, including London and Cardiff.
Forecasts indicate potential for temperatures up to 35°C in affected areas.

The Met Office has issued a rare amber extreme heat warning for parts of England and Wales, effective from 1 am on Monday, June 22, until 11:59 pm on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

This warning covers much of southern England and south-east Wales. Specific areas include London, the South East, South West, East of England, and parts of South Wales. This includes Blaenau Gwent, Newport, Monmouthshire, Cardiff, and the Vale of Glamorgan, as well as Devon and Oxford.

What to do immediately

Residents in affected areas must take immediate action to stay safe and well during this period of extreme heat. Follow these steps:

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, even if you don't feel thirsty. Water is best.
Seek Shade: Avoid direct sunlight, especially between 11 am and 3 pm when the sun is strongest.
Keep Cool: Wear light, loose-fitting clothing. Take cool showers or baths.
Check on Others: Look out for vulnerable people, such as the elderly, young children, and those with underlying health conditions.
Travel Smart: If you must travel, carry water and check for potential delays or disruptions due to the heat.

But there are risks

Extreme heat can pose significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups. Prolonged exposure can lead to heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which are serious medical emergencies. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, intense thirst, and a high temperature. Be aware of these signs and seek medical help if they worsen.

What this means for you

This amber warning signifies a high potential for impacts on health, services, and infrastructure. Expect potential disruptions to travel, increased demand on health services, and possible impacts on daily routines. Adjust your plans to minimise exposure to the heat and protect your health.

What happens next

The warning remains in effect until late Tuesday, June 23. Continue to monitor Met Office updates for any changes or extensions to this warning. Further advice from UKHSA may be issued.

Sources

Met Office — Amber Extreme Heat Warning details

Why this matters: This rare amber warning indicates a high risk to life and daily activities, requiring immediate action to prevent heat-related illness and disruption.

What this means for you: This amber warning signifies a high potential for impacts on health, services, and infrastructure. Expect potential disruptions to travel, increased demand on health services, and possible impacts on daily routines. Adjust your plans to minimise exposure to the heat and protect your health.