A Met Office Red Warning for extreme heat will cover Crawley this Wednesday and Thursday, 24 and 25 June 2026, with forecasters warning of soaring temperatures. The Met Office raised the alert to its highest level across the South East after temperatures earlier in the week prompted an Amber warning. Shade temperatures are expected to reach 38 to 40 degrees Celsius alongside high humidity, and overnight lows may not dip below the high teens.
The UK Health Security Agency has simultaneously issued a red heat health alert for the same days, signalling severe impacts across health and social care services. West Sussex County Council is repeating the Met Office advice on its Crawley Recycling Centre page. Residents are being told to stay hydrated, avoid the sun and any exercise between 11am and 3pm, and check on neighbours who might be more susceptible to the heat. The council also stresses that entering cold rivers, lakes or the sea to cool down carries a serious risk of cold‑water shock and drowning.
The warning period brings the threat of substantial disruption to travel and energy supplies, alongside the possibility of widespread damage to property and infrastructure. Demand on health and social care services is expected to increase significantly, with workforce challenges and potential power outages flagged by UKHSA. The Crawley Recycling Centre on Metcalf Way normally operates from 9am to 6pm under its summer schedule.
The Met Office notes that the heat levels forecast for Wednesday and Thursday have been extremely rare in the UK. Anyone needing health guidance can ring NHS 111, and West Sussex County Council’s Keeping safe this summer page provides the full suite of local safety information.
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