Weather and environment
Storms, heat, cold and wildfires
Weather warnings describe likelihood and impact. Read the detailed warning, not only its colour, and act for your location, health, travel and building.
Last checked: 25 August 2026 How we use official sources
Read the warning in full
- Yellow: read the detail and consider precautions for the expected impacts.
- Amber: significant disruption is more likely, so change affected plans and take protective action.
- Red: dangerous impacts are very likely, so act to keep people safe.
- Check the affected area, valid time, hazard, impact and advice on the Met Office warning page.
Prepare for storms, cold and heat
- Secure loose outdoor items, charge phones and batteries, and check travel before a storm.
- Keep warm layers, safe heating plans, food and medication ready for snow, ice and power cuts.
- For heat, plan shade, ventilation, drinking water and checks on people at greater health risk.
- Use nation-appropriate health guidance and NHS services for symptoms or medication questions.
Wildfire
- Move away from the fire and smoke, call 999 and give the clearest safe location you can.
- Do not assume someone else has reported it and do not travel towards the incident.
- Follow evacuation or stay-inside instructions. Close doors and windows if smoke affects local air.
- Use barbecues only where permitted and never light fires in the countryside.
Evidence and official services
Sources behind this guidance
Open the official page for current detail, live services and local instructions. This page was checked on 25 August 2026.
- UK weather warningsMet Office
- StormsGOV.UK Prepare
- Cold weather, snow and iceGOV.UK Prepare
- Hot weather and heatwavesGOV.UK Prepare
- WildfiresGOV.UK Prepare