Essex faces yellow heat health alert as UK temperatures near 30 °C

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a yellow heat‑health alert for Essex and surrounding southeast England, starting at about 3 pm on 17 June and lasting until 8 pm on 23 June. Forecasts anticipate temperatures reaching up to 30 °C in Essex on 19 June, with the Met Office projecting highs of 28 °C across the southeast later in the week and a risk of thunderstorms.

A separate Netweather map shows that up to 19 English counties could see temperatures above 30 °C, and some locations—particularly in the south‑east near London and East Sussex—may hit 35 °C. The heat alert warns of increased pressure on healthcare services for vulnerable people, higher risk of indoor overheating, and potential thunderstorm activity.

Overall, the UK is expected to experience a warmer and drier spell in the second half of June, with high pressure building across the region and isolated heavy rain possible in the north before moving south.