First yellow heat health alert of 2025 as UK warned of three days of thunderstorms
Temperatures could exceed 30°C in parts of England, with a risk it will put strain on NHS services
The first heat health alert of 2025 has been issued for the UK alongside yellow thunderstorm warnings.
The yellow heat alert is in place from 9pm on Thursday to 8am on Sunday, covering the East of England, the East Midlands, London and the South East, where temperatures could exceed 30°C.
Under the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Met Office’s Weather-Health alerting system, a yellow alert means there could be an increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people.
It could impact individuals aged over 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: “Our findings show that even moderate heat can result in serious health outcomes, especially for older adults, and it is therefore important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.
“The forecasted high temperatures are expected to be short-lived but could primarily impact those over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions.
“If you have friends, family or neighbours who are more vulnerable, it is important to check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice.”
The Met Office has also issued yellow thunderstorm warnings for parts of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
After a largely fine, dry, and sunny Wednesday for much of the UK, heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to move into south west England and south Wales overnight and Northern Ireland through Thursday morning, the Met Office said.
Thunderstorms are then expected to develop across parts of England and Wales during the afternoon.
A further warning has been issued for south east England and East Anglia from Friday afternoon into early Saturday.
Met Office chief meteorologist Neil Armstrong said: “A weather system will push northwards through tomorrow, bringing heavy rain and a risk of thunderstorms to parts of southwest England, most of Wales, and later into Northern Ireland.
“Around 40mm of rain could fall in 3 hours or less, leading to the potential for disruption. Further thunderstorms will develop during the afternoon across England and Wales, moving quickly northwards with hail and lightning.
“Temperatures will remain high, with 26°C or 27°C possible again in the north Midlands and parts of north London.”
