UK Second Heatwave Weather Maps – Amber Alert & Regional Guide

The UK is bracing for its second major heatwave of 2025, with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issuing an amber heat-health alert for large parts of England. Met Office weather maps show temperatures climbing well above 30°C, with the most intense heat focused on southern and central areas. This article provides the latest forecast maps, regional breakdowns, and what the amber alert means for you.

When Will the Second Heatwave Hit the UK?

The most clearly defined period of this second heatwave centres on Tuesday 12 August and Wednesday 13 August 2025, when an amber heat-health alert is active from 9am Tuesday until 6pm Wednesday. The hot weather is expected to build in the days before and ease gradually afterwards, but the peak intensity falls within that 48-hour window.

Date & Duration
12–13 August 2025 (peak); broader hot spell lasting 4–6 days in some regions

Peak Temperature
Above 30°C (low 30s), with some models indicating up to 33°C in the south and east

Regions Affected
West Midlands, East Midlands, South East, London, East of England (amber); North West, North East, South West, Yorkshire and the Humber (yellow)

Official Status
Amber heat-health alert issued by UKHSA; Met Office confirms widespread heatwave conditions

Key Insights

This event is distinct from the earlier warm spell in May, with higher forecast peak temperatures.
Amber alerts indicate a moderate risk to health, particularly for vulnerable people such as the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.
Met Office weather maps show a clear temperature split: southern and central England see the highest readings, while Scotland and northern England experience less extreme heat.
The longest stretch of very hot weather is expected in London and the East of England, potentially lasting up to six days.
Travel disruption, including possible road and rail delays, is possible in areas under amber warning.
Power cuts and localised water shortages cannot be ruled out if demand spikes.
The UKHSA advises people to check on at-risk neighbours and stay hydrated.

UK Second Heatwave Snapshot (August 2025)

Fact	Value
Event name	UK Second Heatwave (Summer 2025)
Date range	12–13 August 2025 (peak amber alert); broader hot spell from around 10–16 August
Peak temperature forecast	Above 30°C; some forecasts suggest up to 33°C in southern England
Health alert level	Amber (UKHSA)
Primary source map	Met Office interactive UK weather map (forecast up to 5 days)
Regions under amber	West Midlands, East Midlands, South East, London, East of England

Where Will the Second Heatwave Hit in the UK?

Regions Under Amber Heat-Health Alert

The UKHSA amber alert applies to the West Midlands, East Midlands, South East, London, and East of England. These areas are expected to see the highest temperatures and the greatest risk of health impacts. The alert runs from 9am Tuesday 12 August to 6pm Wednesday 13 August, but the heat may linger longer in these parts.

Regions Under Yellow Alert

The North West, North East, South West, and Yorkshire and the Humber remain under a yellow heat-health alert. While still hot, temperatures in these regions are forecast to be lower than in the amber zone, and the risk to health is considered less severe. Scotland and Northern Ireland are not covered by the English alert system but may also see above-average temperatures.

How to check your area

The Met Office interactive map shows active warnings colour-coded yellow, amber or red. You can click on any region to see the detailed forecast and impact information. The UKHSA heat-health alert dashboard also provides a regional breakdown of current alert levels.

What Is the Met Office Forecast for the UK Second Heatwave?

The Met Office has described the weather pattern as a widespread heatwave with dry, sunny and very warm conditions across most of England. Its 5-day forecast highlights temperatures well into the 30s in the south and east, with a gradual reduction in intensity later in the period. After the heatwave, a shift to more unsettled and cooler weather is expected.

How to View the UK Heatwave Weather Map Live

The Met Office provides a free interactive map on its website that layers temperature, precipitation, wind and warning information. Users can toggle between different data sets and zoom in to their local area. For the most up-to-date view of the heatwave, visit the Met Office UK weather map page.

How Accurate Are Long-Range Weather Maps?

Forecast reliability diminishes after about five days. While the Met Office offers a 10-day trend outlook, the detailed temperature maps are most trustworthy in the 48‑ to 72‑hour window. For this heatwave, the core forecast of an amber-level event in mid-August has strong model consensus, but the exact timing of the peak and the northern extent remain subject to shifts of 1–2 days.

Forecast confidence

The UKHSA and Met Office have jointly issued the amber alert based on high-confidence short-range models. The chance of a material change in the core alert area is low, but localised variations in cloud cover or sea breezes could affect actual temperatures by 1–2°C in some coastal locations.

Timeline of the UK Second Heatwave (August 2025)

Early August 2025 – Weather models begin signalling a sustained hot spell building from the south.
9 August 2025 – The first yellow heat-health alerts are issued for four English regions as a precursor.
12 August 2025, 9am – Amber heat-health alert comes into force for the West Midlands, East Midlands, South East, London, and East of England. Temperatures exceed 30°C across central and southern England.
13 August 2025, 6pm – Amber alert expires. Temperatures begin to ease from the west, though many areas remain very warm.
14–16 August 2025 – Gradual cooling with some showers and bands of rain moving in. The heatwave reduces in intensity, returning towards seasonal averages.

How Accurate Are the UK Weather Maps for Heatwave Predictions?

Established Information	Uncertainty Remains
An amber heat-health alert was issued by UKHSA for 12–13 August 2025 covering five English regions.	Exact peak timing may shift by 1–2 days due to model drift.
Met Office maps show a clear warming trend for the south and east of England.	The northern extent of the heatwave is less certain; Scotland may see only low 20s.
Temperatures above 30°C are within model consensus; some models indicate up to 33°C.	Duration beyond five days is less reliable; the return to normal temperatures is approximate.
The warning system uses colour-coded (yellow, amber, red) alerts based on impact and likelihood.	Localised cloud or sea breezes could reduce actual maxima by 1–2°C in some coastal areas.

What Does This Heatwave Mean for the UK?

This second heatwave follows an earlier warm spell in May and is typical of UK summer patterns, but the projected temperatures into the low 30s are notable. The issuance of an amber health alert signals a moderate risk to public health, prompting the NHS to remind people about staying cool and hydrated. The Met Office maps serve as the most reliable forecasting tool, but users should also check local alerts and regional variations. There is no competing official forecast contradicting the 30 °C+ peak; the Independent and Express reports align on the timing and severity, though the Express story carries a more urgent tone.

Sources and Quotations

“UK Health Security Agency issued an amber heat health alert, covering London, the East Midlands, South East, South West and East of England.”

— The Independent, 2025

“Weather forecasts suggest that the nation is set for more scorching conditions.”

— Express.co.uk, 2025

“The UK is bracing for another heatwave as early as next week with a scorching 27C.”

— Bristol Post, 2025

For official health guidance, the NHS heatwave advice page provides practical tips. International context can be found from the World Meteorological Organization. The primary forecast tool remains the Met Office UK weather map.

Summary: What You Need to Know

The second UK heatwave of 2025 is confirmed to peak around 12–13 August, with an amber heat-health alert in place for the West Midlands, East Midlands, South East, London, and East of England. Temperatures are expected to rise above 30°C, and the Met Office interactive map is the best tool to track the event in real time. For a full guide on how to read the warnings, see the Met Office weather warnings guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a heatwave and a regular hot spell?

A heatwave is a sustained period (usually 3+ days) of unusually high temperatures for the region, meeting a specific threshold. A ‘regular hot spell’ may be warm but shorter or less intense.

How to view the UK heatwave weather map live?

Visit the Met Office weather maps page for real-time and forecast data. You can toggle layers for temperature, precipitation, and wind.

What is the Met Office forecast for 10 days?

The Met Office offers a 5-day high-resolution forecast and a 10-day trend outlook. For this heatwave, the 5-day window shows 30°C+ peaks, while the 10-day outlook suggests a return to normal.

When does the amber heat-health alert start and end?

The amber alert runs from 9am Tuesday 12 August to 6pm Wednesday 13 August 2025.

Which regions are under the amber alert?

The West Midlands, East Midlands, South East, London, and East of England.

Will temperatures reach 33°C?

Some models forecast up to 33°C in southern and eastern England, but the official government notice states temperatures above 30°C.

How long will the hot weather last?

The most intense period is 12–13 August, but some areas may experience hot conditions for up to six days.

Is this the second heatwave of 2025?

Yes, following a warm spell in May, this is the second officially recognised heatwave event of the year.

Where can I get official heat-health advice?

The NHS heatwave page and the UKHSA heat alerts page are authoritative sources.

What does a yellow alert mean?

Yellow indicates a lower risk of health impacts but still requires awareness, especially for vulnerable individuals.