Heat health alerts for most of England as temperatures set to rise again

Heat health alerts have been issued for most of England, with temperatures set to hit 35C today - as farmers warned about the impact of the prolonged hot weather on food production.

A high of 35C is expected by the Met Office in the South East on Monday, higher than forecasts for the Greek islands of Mykonos, Rhodes and Santorini.

Much of central and southern England is set to see highs in the upper 20s to low 30s before temperatures ease slightly later in the week.

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Amber alerts, the second most serious, have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the East Midlands, East of England, South East and London regions for 48 hours from 9am on Monday.

Less severe yellow alerts are in place for the same period covering the North West, Yorkshire and The Humber, West Midlands and South West regions.

Rising temperatures bring health risks, the agency said, with greater demand for health care services by the vulnerable and an increase in risk to health for the over-65s or anyone with a pre-existing health condition.

A thunderstorm warning has been issued for Northern Ireland on Tuesday.

Heavy showers and thunderstorms will develop for parts of England and Wales as well, the Met Office said.

Tom Bradshaw, president of the National Farmers' Union (NFU), said the hot weather is affecting potato harvests.

He said: "About half of the UK crop is irrigated. That half is running out of water very, very quickly. The reservoirs are almost empty.

"There must be moisture in the ground to be able to harvest those potatoes. So we need to think about the resilience of our food system as a national priority."

Mr Bradshaw said it is an "atypical" summer, as we are now on the fifth heatwave, with notably dry conditions, and the lush grass of April, May and June is now a burnt brown colour.

He said that "many farmers are now on full winter rations, and it's only the beginning of August".

Mr Bradshaw added: "We want to adapt to the changing climate, but to do that, we need the support of government policy, building reservoirs on our farms to store the water."

Vulnerable at risk

Polly Ashmore, Acting Consultant in Public Health at the UKHSA, said periods of hot weather can cause "serious health outcomes, especially for older adults".

The agency is asking health and social care services in affected regions to make sure they are prepared, and reminded people "to look out for elderly relatives, neighbours, and those with underlying health conditions, making sure they are aware of the forecast and following the necessary advice".

She added: "Simple steps such as staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day, and keeping your home cool are some of the key ways to help keep yourself and others safe during periods of hot weather."

'Incredible' UK weather

Sunday's top temperature was 31C at Frittenden in Kent.

Sky weather producer Joanne Robinson said Monday would see the heat "build further in the South", warning that 34C is possible in southeast England, and there is a "small chance of reaching 35C".

If the higher temperature is hit, she said "it will be the eighth day somewhere in the UK has reached 35C or more this year", something she described as "quite incredible".

Ms Robinson said it shows "just how easily extreme temperatures can be reached now".

It won't be as hot on Tuesday - but temperatures of 31C or 32C are possible in the South East, she said, adding that "it will be humid too, with some uncomfortable nights ahead".

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Following last week's hot and humid weather, the Met Office has said England and Wales are on course for the driest July since records began, which could be confirmed on Monday when its full, provisional data for last month is published.

This summer's prolonged dry conditions have led to wildfires breaking out across parts of the UK, including on the Suffolk coast, where a major incident was declared at Dunwich Heath, near Leiston, on Wednesday and where firefighters were still on the scene on Sunday, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said.

Firefighters have also been tackling major fires in the Scottish Cairngorms, Tintwistle Moor in Derbyshire, and in the Blaenllechau and Ferndale area of South Wales.

Half of England and the whole of Wales are in drought following successive heatwaves earlier this summer.

(c) Sky News 2026: Heat health alerts for most of England as temperatures set to rise again