Last updated: 5.10pm 25 June 2026
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a red heat-health alert (HHA) for 6 regions of England including the South East (covering Hampshire and the Isle of Wight).
A red heat-health alert will be in place from 9am on Wednesday 24 June until 11pm on Friday 26 June.
What is a red heat-health alert?
A red heat-health alert indicates that a severe heatwave could have impacts beyond health and social care with potential effects on transport systems, food, water, energy supplies and businesses.
Actions you can take to stay safe
Hot weather can cause some people to become unwell through overheating (becoming uncomfortably hot), dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
There are also some people at higher risk of unbecoming unwell in hot temperatures such as older people aged 65 years and over; babies and young children aged 5 years and under; and individuals with underlying health conditions.
During a red heat-health alert there are actions people can take like staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day, and keeping your home cool. These steps can make a big difference.
Here are some other ways you can beat the heat.
Where possible, look out for others, especially elderly relatives, neighbours, and those with underlying health conditions, to make sure they are aware of the forecast and following the necessary advice.
Heat exhaustion can cause dizziness, nausea and extreme thirst.
Heatstroke is an emergency. If someone becomes confused, stops sweating or has trouble breathing, call 999 immediately.
Continue to take prescribed medicines
You should continue taking all of your prescribed medicines unless advised not to by a medical professional. If you have any health concerns, please call NHS 111.
Attend scheduled appointments
Hot weather may also affect travel, so plan ahead and take extra care. Continue to attend planned appointments at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare locations unless told otherwise.
Additional resources
Beat the Heat (EASY READ) - keep cool at home
Beat the Heat (EASY READ) - staying safe in hot weather
Further information
Additional advice is available on the UK Health Security Agency website and it is recommended you keep an eye on local forecasts for updates.
Keeping children and young people safe around water
During hot weather, many families and young people may choose to cool off in the water. While rivers, lakes and the sea can seem tempting in the heat, open water can be dangerous – even for strong swimmers. For parents and carers with teens and young people who might be heading for a dip with friends, please remind them to:
- Stick to lifeguarded areas
- Don't swim alone or under the influence of alcohol
- Take it slow when entering cold water to avoid shock
- Remember the RNLI's guidance on how to ‘float to live’ if they get into difficulty
For those of you with younger children and babies, you might be using a swimming or paddling pool at home. Here are some top tips to stay safe:
- Choose bright, contrasting swimwear so your child is easy to see in the water. Avoid colours that blend in with water or pool floors, such as blue, grey, pastel green or white.
- Empty paddling pools after use and turn them over, so they can’t unexpectedly fill up with water if it rains.
- Lock doors and gates to outdoor areas so children can’t sneak out unsupervised and be aware that children can wander into neighbouring gardens.
- Avoid other distractions while children are playing in water.
- Keep young children within an arm’s reach.
Remember that babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight throughout the day, and babies over 6 months should stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm.
For more information and advice, check out Hampshire Safeguarding Children Partnership’s Water Safety Toolkit.
Remember - in an emergency, always call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard if appropriate.