Amber heat warning: Swindon council points residents to cool Welcome Spaces

The council's advice was reported by Swindon24 on the evening of Monday 22 June 2026, at the start of a week in which temperatures in parts of southern England were forecast to come close to 40°C. An amber heat warning was in force and the hottest part of each day was expected between 1pm and 4pm.

Councillor Vinay Manro, Swindon Borough Council's cabinet member for adults and health, said: "Temperatures approaching 40 are obviously not the norm in Swindon or in the UK. These are temperatures that are rarely seen."

Where could people cool down?

The council pointed residents to its Welcome Spaces: libraries, parish council offices and community venues across the borough offering somewhere cool to rest, drinking water and shade. The spaces were first set up during the Covid pandemic and used again during the cost-of-living crisis.

• Central Library was one of the spaces named.
• Haydon Wick Parish Council's office was open from 11am to 3pm that day and through the week.
• Other spaces were listed on the council's and parish councils' websites.

Deputy leader Councillor Jake Chandler also mentioned churches and pubs as places to get out of the heat.

The advice given

• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Stay out of the sun in the hottest hours, and use sunscreen and a hat outdoors.
• Check on vulnerable neighbours.

The council said it had no plans to extend opening hours at the Coate Water splash park, though that was under review, and that officers were following Met Office guidance.

Source: Swindon24.