Yellow Heat Health Alerts are now in effect across much of England, warning of high temperatures from midday today, July 4, until July 11. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued these alerts as temperatures are set to climb, reaching 29°C on Sunday and potentially peaking at 34°C in the South East by Thursday or Friday.
While southern England and Wales will experience warm sunshine and dry conditions, with London potentially seeing 28°C today, a significant north-south weather split is in play. Scotland, Northern Ireland, and parts of northern England are forecast to have cloud, rain, and brisk winds.
London and Southeast England will also see a wetter and windier pattern on July 4-5, with rain bands and gusty winds. Rainfall in London could reach 20-30mm over these two days, bringing cooler conditions temporarily.
Met Office Meteorologist Becky Mitchell stated: "We have got a heatwave on the way across parts of southern England and Wales... The peak of the heat appears to be Thursday or Friday, 34C in the South East. By comparison to the heatwave we saw in June, this heatwave won't be as hot and humid, but it will be a prolonged spell of hot weather which lasts around a week."
The UKHSA's yellow alerts highlight potential minor impacts on health and social care services, including increased use by vulnerable people and a greater risk to life for this group. The agency also warns of an increased risk of water-related incidents, such as cold water shock and drowning, as people seek relief from the heat.
In addition to the heat, the Met Office has issued red warnings for high grass pollen levels across much of central, eastern, and southern England today, July 4. Moderate levels are reported across northern England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with high grass pollen expected to persist into next week, with Wednesday, July 8, forecast as the worst day for sufferers.
What to do immediately
Take these steps to protect yourself and others:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, even if you don't feel thirsty.
- Seek Shade: Avoid direct sun exposure, particularly between 11 am and 3 pm.
- Check on Vulnerable Individuals: Ensure older adults, babies, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions are coping with the heat.
- Exercise Water Safety: If cooling off in open water, be aware of the risks of cold water shock and drowning, as warned by the UKHSA.
- Manage Hay Fever: Take appropriate medication and minimise outdoor exposure during peak pollen times, especially if you are in areas with red warnings.
But there are risks
Despite the rising temperatures, the Met Office confirms this heatwave is expected to be less hot and humid than the one experienced in June. Furthermore, the GOV.UK 'Check for flooding in England' service reported "No flood alerts or warnings" as of 10:53 am on July 5, with a "very low" forecast flood risk across England for the next five days. There are also no specific severe terrestrial storm alerts issued for the UK on July 4, 2026.
What this means for you
You need to adjust your daily routine to cope with rising temperatures and high pollen. This includes staying hydrated, seeking shade, and checking on vulnerable family members or neighbours. Hay fever sufferers should be prepared for significant symptoms.
What happens next
The heatwave is expected to intensify through next week, peaking around Thursday or Friday, July 9-10. The yellow heat health alerts remain in effect until 8 pm on July 11. Southern Water's hosepipe ban for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will come into effect from 12:01 am on Friday, July 10.
Sources
- Met Office — Weather forecasts and pollen warnings (July 4, 2026)
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) — Yellow Heat Health Alerts (July 4, 2026)
- GOV.UK 'Check for flooding in England' service — Flood risk assessment (July 5, 2026)
- Southern Water — Hosepipe ban announcement (July 10, 2026)