Heatwave advice

Published: 24 June 2026

A red alert heatwave warning is currently in place across the south east of England from 1.00am on Wednesday 24 June until 11.00pm on Friday 26 June. There is a yellow warning on Saturday 26 June.

This means temperatures are likely to rise to levels which increase risks of ill health, particularly among vulnerable people. Sources of help, information and guidance may be found on the following web sites.

A downloadable “Beat the Heat” checklist is available on the government’s web site, and gives advice on how to cope during extremely hot weather.

There is further advice on preparing for and coping in hot weather on West Berkshire Council’s web site.

The NHS web site gives guidance and information about those most at risk, signs of potential heat-related health issues and how to deal with them. There is also information about heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Advice on how to care for pets and animals and keep them safe in hot weather can be found on the British Veterinary Association's web site. 

Guidance on staying safe in the water and what to do if someone does get into trouble may be found on the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s web site.

Air quality can also be affected by hot weather putting anyone with heart or lung problems at greater risk, and information about latest pollution levels, air quality forecasts, as well as recommended actions and health advice can be found on the Defra UK-Air web site.

Updates and latest weather forecasts are available on the Met Office web site.