18/06/2026
BREAKING NEWS 🚨 | Heat Health Warning Issued for Herefordshire as Temperatures Set to Reach 30°C. ☀️🌡️
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a Heat Health Alert covering Herefordshire and surrounding areas as a spell of hot weather returns across England, with temperatures expected to climb to around 30°C over the coming days.
The warning comes as forecasters predict heatwave conditions developing across parts of the country, prompting health officials to urge residents, particularly vulnerable groups, to take precautions.
An Amber Heat Health Alert has been issued for the East of England, London, the South East and the South West, while a Yellow Heat Health Alert is in place for the East Midlands and West Midlands, which includes Herefordshire.
The alert is active from 12:00pm on Thursday 18 June 2026, and will remain in force until 8:00pm on Tuesday 23 June 2026.
The UKHSA's Weather Health Alerting System, operated in partnership with the Met Office, provides early warnings when extreme temperatures are expected to impact public health and wellbeing. The system is designed to help health and social care services, emergency responders, community organisations and government departments prepare for periods of severe weather.
According to the UKHSA, minor impacts are likely across health and social care services during the alert period. These may include:
▪️ Increased demand for healthcare services from vulnerable people.
▪️ A greater risk to life and wellbeing among elderly and medically vulnerable residents.
▪️ Increased potential for homes, care settings and other indoor environments to become excessively warm.
▪️ A rise in water-related incidents, including cold-water shock and drowning risks.
Health officials are advising residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day, and regularly check on elderly relatives, neighbours and those with existing health conditions.
The Heat Health Alert system operates annually between 1 June and 30 September, although extraordinary alerts can be issued outside this period if unusually hot conditions occur.
Weather forecasts indicate temperatures could reach or exceed 30°C across parts of Herefordshire over the weekend and into next week, bringing some of the hottest conditions seen so far this year.
Residents are encouraged to follow the latest weather forecasts and public health guidance as the hot weather develops.