NHS advice to help you stay well in hot weather as amber heat health alert issued for North West
Wednesday, 12 August 2026
People across the North West are being urged to take simple steps to stay safe and look out for others as very hot weather is forecast across the region this week.
NHS England in the North West is advising people to keep cool, drink plenty of fluids and avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day after the UK Health Security Agency and Met Office issued an amber heat health alert for the region.
The alert is in place from midnight tonight (Tuesday 11 August) until 9pm on Friday (Friday 14 August), with temperatures expected to reach around 37°C in some areas.
The amber heat health alert means significant impacts are likely across health and social care services due to the high temperatures.
Dr Michael Gregory, Regional Medical Director for NHS England in the North West, said:
“While lots of people will enjoy the sunshine and warm weather, it’s important people take precautions to avoid becoming unwell from overheating, dehydration, heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
“Staying out of the sun during the hottest part of the day, from 11am to 3pm, can lower the risk of becoming unwell. If you are planning physical activity, such as exercising or walking the dog, try to do this during cooler parts of the day, such as the morning or evening.”
Dr Gregory also advised drinking plenty of fluids, applying sunscreen and limiting alcohol intake.
On those most at risk, he added:
“Hot weather can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, lung problems and other illnesses. Older people, babies and young children are more likely to become unwell because their bodies are less able to regulate temperature, while people with underlying medical conditions can also be vulnerable to the effects of hot weather.
“It’s important people continue taking all your prescribed medicines unless advised not to by a medical professional. Some medications need to be stored below 25°C or in the fridge, so follow the storage instructions on the packaging.”
Dr Evdokia Dardamissis Interim Regional Deputy Director – UKHSA North West said:
“For vulnerable groups including older adults and those with existing health conditions, warmer weather can result in serious health outcomes. Everyone can take simple steps to stay safe during periods of hot weather.
“Drinking plenty of water, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day and keeping indoor spaces cool are all things you can do to keep yourself and others safe. I would particularly encourage people to check on vulnerable friends and family to make sure everyone is aware of the forecast, follows the necessary advice and stays safe in this period of hot weather.”
As temperatures increase, health services may be under pressure and A&E departments and the NHS 111 phone service may be busy. People with non-emergency medical concerns should use NHS 111 online as their first point of contact for non-emergency medical advice.
NHS 111 online is not available for children under five. People looking for urgent medical help for under-fives should use the NHS 111 phone line.
The NHS is also thanking staff across health and care services who continue to work hard to support patients and keep services running during periods of extreme heat.