NHS Health advice as amber and red heat-health alerts issued

23 June 2026

Health advice as amber and red heat-health alerts issued

The NHS is reminding people in Surrey and Sussex of the steps they can take to stay safe after the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office have issued heat-health alerts for the region.

An amber heat-health alert is in effect until 11.59pm on Thursday 25 June across the South East, and a new red heat-health alert has now been issued for Wednesday and Thursday which affects Surrey and parts of Sussex. The Met Office is forecasting that temperatures are set to climb as high as 38 degrees in the latter part of the week. These alerts warns that conditions means a higher risk of serious illness and additional pressure on health services.

There are a number of ways you can help keep yourself and others safe during hot weather:

• Keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
• If you do go outside, wear suitable clothing, including a hat and sunglasses where appropriate, seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly
• Avoid being in the sun during the hottest part of the day, between 11am and 3pm
• If you are planning physical activity, try to do it during cooler parts of the day, such as the morning or evening
• Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and what to do if you or someone else experiences them

The NHS is here to help if you do feel unwell during the hot weather. Remember that 999 and A&E are for life-threatening emergencies. Visit our website for information on the range of services that are available.

More information about staying safe in hot weather is available online. Visit the UK Health Security Agency and NHS websites, including guidance on how to beat the heat and information about heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust