Amber Heatwave Warning As Temperatures Rise in South East

Published on: 11 Aug, 2025
Updated on: 11 Aug, 2025

By David Reading

The fourth heatwave of the summer is on the way for some people across the UK, with the hottest weather focused in southern and central England. There could be a peak of 34C on Tuesday.

The UK Health Security Agency has issued health alerts for tomorrow morning (August 12) and lasting until Wednesday.

Alerts have been upgraded from yellow to amber in parts of the country including the south east. There could be travel disruption or increased demand on health services.

As well as heat by day, the nights will also feel hot and humid for the first half of the week. There is a chance of a tropical night or two in southern England, where temperatures don’t fall below 20C all night.

By Thursday and Friday, whilst most places will see temperatures in the low to mid 20s, there could be further heatwave days in southern England.

The risk of wildfires is has been emphasised by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).

Steve Cole, Director of Policy at RoSPA, said: “The UK is not immune to the dangers of extreme heat. With temperatures soaring and vegetation drying out, the risk of wildfires increases dramatically—even in urban and coastal areas.

Crop fire on the Hog’s Back during an earlier heatwave in July.

“Many wildfires are preventable. Simple actions—like properly disposing of cigarettes, and avoiding open flames—can make a huge difference.”

Public safety advice during hot weather includes:

Avoid open flames: Do not light barbecues (especially disposable barbecues), campfires, or disposable grills in parks, woodlands, or heathland areas.

Dispose of cigarettes responsibly: Never discard cigarette ends on the ground, especially in dry grassy areas.

Stay alert: Report any signs of smoke or fire immediately by calling 999.

Protect your property: Clear dry vegetation from around your home and follow local fire safety guidance.

Cole continued: “Climate change is contributing to longer, hotter summers and increasing the frequency of extreme weather events in the UK. The recent fires underscore the need for greater public awareness and preparedness.”

Take care exercising in the heat Wikipedia

People have been urged to take the heatwave seriously while exercising.

Andy Blow, a hydration expert, issued the following warning – make sure you are hydrated.

Blow, co-founder of Precision Fuel and Hydration, said: “Proper hydration supports cardiovascular function, enables your body to dissipate heat created by your working muscles, and reduces fatigue; all helping your body work more efficiently.

“When there are additional factors like heat to consider, you might need to adjust your hydration strategy to account for your increased sweat losses.”

Pre-hydrating and hydrating after exercise are both vital, he said.

Animal charities have expressed concern about wildlife during the hot weather. One animal that is particularly vulnerable is the hedgehog.

Think of hot hedgehogs

Sharon Jacobs, Head Nurse at Tiggywinkles, the wildlife hospital based in Buckinghamshire, said “During the summer heatwaves, it’s vital to remember that hedgehogs are not only struggling with the high temperatures themselves – many are also caring for tiny babies.

“Leaving out shallow dishes of water and checking long grass or under shrubs before gardening so that you don’t inadvertently disturb a nest can make all the difference. A small act of kindness can save a whole family of hedgehogs.”

Advice also includes providing protection for hedgehogs from the sun’s rays.