A YELLOW heat-health alert has been issued for the South East of England, with the Isle of Wight seeing scorching weather continuing into the heatwave's second week.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) alert came into force today (Sunday) and remains in place until 9pm on Wednesday.
The warning highlights the potential for increased pressure on health and social care services, with older people, and those with existing health conditions, most at risk.
Officials warn the heat could lead to a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged over 65, increased demand for healthcare services, and overheating in hospitals, care homes and residential properties.
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There are also concerns about a greater risk of water-related incidents, including cold-water shock and drowning.
The alert comes during what the Met Office describes as a remarkable year for UK temperatures.
Temperatures of 35C or higher have now been recorded in May, June and July of the same year, for the first time in the UK's weather records.
Met Office science manager, Dr Amy Doherty, said 2026 had already seen a record eight days, with temperatures exceeding 34C — surpassing previous records set in 1976 and 2020.
According to Jamie Russell, of the Isle of Wight Met Service, the Island can expect plenty of sunshine with temperatures forecast to climb again next week, with highs potentially reaching around 30C on the Isle of Wight by the middle of the week, with very high UV levels.
Nationally, the Met Office says parts of southern England and Wales are likely to continue seeing temperatures above 30C into next week, with conditions remaining well above average, despite a slight easing from recent peaks.
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