Warning to Leeds over the hot weather this summer after hottest ever May

Leeds residents are being encouraged to be prepared for summer heatwaves after scorching May temperatures saw the UK record its hottest ever day in May.

The city has also experienced record-breaking temperatures in recent years, including in 2022 when temperatures hit 40C for the first time, triggering a red heat health warning by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

In a report from 2025, the council’s director of public health set out key recommendations for dealing with rising temperatures, one of these being providing access to cool spaces. Leeds City Council will now launch a pilot to open cool spaces this summer to help people stay comfortable and well during hot weather.

Councillor Mary Harland, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for communities and community safety, said: “Providing spaces for people across Leeds to be able to cool down and have access to water is vital in helping everyone stay safe over summer. It’s very important that you know how to keep cool and hydrated if and when we experience hot weather.”

The cool spaces will be held in indoor venues to help reduce the health risks from the heat. They are not intended to provide medical care or specialist support but offer free drinking water and spaces to rest and cool down.

A selection of community hubs and libraries, and some leisure centres and neighbourhood networks, will offer the service from June 1 to September 30. A full list of spaces can be found on the Leeds City Council website.

Councillor Emma Flint, Leeds City Council’s executive member for equality, adults and health, said: “Rising temperatures are affecting everyone, but we know that some people are more vulnerable than others.

“As a council, we want to make sure that people in Leeds are aware of how to keep themselves and others safe in the heat by adhering to expert guidance and being prepared for heatwaves.”

Hot weather can pose a health risk for everyone, but for some, particularly older people, young children, pregnant women and those with long-term health conditions, the risk is more serious.

The council is encouraging everyone to remember the importance of protecting themselves and others from too much sun or heat, especially between 11 am and 3 pm, and to stay cool and shaded and carry water.

Shading or covering windows exposed to direct sunlight can also help keep the home from overheating, as well as opening the windows when the air outside is cooler than inside.

Residents can also sign up to the heat-health alert service, which is provided by UKHSA in partnership with the Met Office.

Victoria Eaton, Leeds City Council’s director of public health, said: “Some people face greater risk than others in the heat, including people living in densely populated areas – especially older adults, young children, pregnant women and those with long-term conditions.

“There is great work being done across the city towards this, and we’re pleased to now also provide more cool spaces that people can access during hot weather.”

People are also being advised to be vigilant for tick bites, with the risk of being bitten increasing over spring and summer. Ticks are particularly common in grassy and wooded areas, so sticking to clearly defined paths when out walking can help reduce the risk, as can wearing clothing that covers your skin. People are advised to check exposed skin regularly and remove any attached tick as soon as it’s found using a tick-removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers.

In rare cases, ticks can spread diseases such as Lyme disease. You can find out more information on tick bites and the symptoms of Lyme at NHS.UK.