Met Office Issues Heat Warning as Temperatures Set to Hit Mid-30s: Care Homes Urged to Prepare for Thursday Peak

Care homes across the UK are being urged to activate their heatwave plans as the Met Office warns that temperatures could reach the mid-30s Celsius on Thursday, prompting concern for the wellbeing of older and vulnerable residents.

A Met Office warning is in force covering Thursday 13 August, with forecasters cautioning that while the most intense heat will be shorter-lived than in previous heatwaves this summer, the scale of the temperatures still poses a significant risk to health.

Met Office Chief Forecaster Chris Bulmer said that although the peak heat would be brief, temperatures widely reaching the mid-30s on Thursday brought the potential for impacts on some people, which is why the warning had been issued. He explained that high pressure was becoming dominant, with temperatures building day by day, and that southerly and south-easterly winds were drawing in hot air from the continent, adding to what has already been a hot and dry summer for much of southern England.

The warning flags likely health impacts, along with the potential for water safety incidents, travel disruption, and disruption to heat-sensitive equipment, including the possibility of localised power cuts — a factor care providers may wish to build into contingency planning, particularly where medical equipment, refrigerated medication, or cooling systems rely on a stable power supply.

Northern and north-western Scotland, along with parts of Northern Ireland, are expected to see continued showery conditions and are likely to be spared the worst of the heat.

Increased Pressure on Health and Social Care

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which monitors health impacts in England, has issued Heat Health Alerts, warning that the forecast temperatures are likely to increase demand on health and social care services. For care home managers and staff, this serves as a clear signal to review heatwave protocols, staffing levels, and resident monitoring arrangements ahead of Thursday’s peak.

Older people, particularly those with underlying health conditions, reduced mobility, or cognitive impairment, are among those most vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat. Care providers are being encouraged to take proactive steps this week to protect residents, including:

• Ensuring residents remain well hydrated throughout the day, with regular fluid offers rather than waiting for residents to ask
• Keeping curtains or blinds closed during the hottest parts of the day and opening windows during cooler periods to ventilate rooms
• Rescheduling activities, outings, or personal care that require sun exposure to cooler parts of the day, and ensuring shaded areas are available for anyone spending time outdoors
• Monitoring residents closely for signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, particularly those who may not be able to communicate discomfort themselves
• Reviewing medications with GPs or pharmacists where necessary, as some can affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature
• Checking that cooling equipment, fans, and any temperature-sensitive medical devices are working, with contingency plans in place in case of power disruption

William Spencer, climate and first aid expert at the British Red Cross, said that although periods of hot weather had become more familiar in recent years, they could still pose serious risks to health, and following heat safety advice was more important than ever after prolonged dry and warm conditions.

He said that simple steps such as wearing sunscreen, drinking plenty of fluids, seeking shade during the hottest parts of the day, and taking regular breaks from the sun could help protect people and those around them. Mr Spencer added that it was important to look out for the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, particularly among those who may be more vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat — a message that will resonate strongly with care staff supporting residents who may be less able to regulate their own temperature or recognise the early warning signs themselves.

He also noted that many communities were experiencing drought conditions or were in areas at increased risk of wildfires, and encouraged everyone to follow advice from local authorities.

Recognising Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke

Care staff are reminded to watch residents for early warning signs of heat-related illness, which can include headache, dizziness, confusion, excessive sweating, pale or clammy skin, and a rapid pulse. If a resident’s condition escalates — including a very high temperature, hot dry skin, or loss of consciousness — this may indicate heatstroke, a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.

When Will the Heat Ease?

Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster David Oliver said that while Thursday would mark the peak of the heat this week, some warmth would remain in the south and south-east on Friday, before easing more widely on Saturday as cooler air spreads south from the north-west.

High pressure is likely to retain some influence over the south of the UK later in the weekend, though this may begin to weaken into the start of next week, potentially allowing showers or longer spells of rain to spread across parts of the country.

Further Guidance

Water safety advice is available via the Met Office website, and the Met Office app now includes a dedicated beach forecast featuring tide times, wave heights and sea-surface temperatures, alongside UV and pollen guidance. Further hot weather advice is also available through the Met Office’s WeatherReady campaign.

With dry conditions persisting for many parts of the country, wildfire risk remains a concern in the coming week. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has published guidance on reducing the risk of wildfires.

Care home managers are encouraged to review their organisation’s heatwave plan now, ahead of Thursday’s peak temperatures, and to ensure all staff are briefed on recognising and responding to heat-related illness in residents.