Red heat health alert issued across South East

A red heat health alert for the South East has been issued from 1am on Wednesday 24 June until 11pm on Thursday 25 June 2026.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) alert means hot weather is expected to have an impact on people’s health, especially those who are more vulnerable, including older people, young children and people with long-term health conditions.

We are asking residents and visitors to take simple steps to keep safe during the hot weather and to look out for friends, family and neighbours who may need extra support.

Prolonged heat can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, so it is important to stay hydrated, keep cool and avoid spending long periods in direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day. 

While the UKHSA red heat health alert highlights the increased risk this heat poses to people’s health, the Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for Brighton & Hove until Friday 26 June, meaning it is likely to be slightly cooler in coastal areas.

With high temperatures still expected, large numbers of people are likely to visit the city’s seafront.

We’re opening a Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) day shelter during the heat alert this week, offering showers, a light lunch, cool drinks and a place to rest and shelter from the heat. The CGL street outreach team will also be out handing out bottles of water, sun cream and hats.

The adverse heat may affect our services this week - please bear with us if changes need to be put in place.

Look out for others

Please check on any friends, family or neighbours who may be more vulnerable to make sure they have the support they need to keep cool and stay safe.

  • Contact friends, family or neighbours who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated and need help – older people, young children, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk.
  • Children often don’t realise when they’ve had enough sun, so adults must think for them to keep them protected.

Stay hydrated

Keep cool

  • If you’re out and about, try to keep out of the sun and avoid physical exertion in the hottest part of the day.
  • If you go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen, and wear a wide-brimmed hat and loose-fitting clothing.

Keep homes and vehicles cool

  • Close curtains on rooms that face the sun and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
  • Check that fridges, freezers, and fans are working properly and make sure medicines can be stored according to the instructions.
  • Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children, or animals.

Be careful in the sea

  • Take care and follow our sea safety advice if you are going into the water to cool down.
  • You should only swim in the lifeguarded areas between the red and yellow flags.
  • The sea is still very cold, and the water can get deep quickly, always supervise your children at the water’s edge.
  • Remember, it’s never safe to go into the sea when you’ve been drinking alcohol.

Stay safe

  • Look out for signs of heat related illness. Cool your skin with water, slow down and drink water. Call NHS 111 if you need medical help or in an emergency dial 999.

More information

For more information to help you keep cool and stay safe during hot weather:

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