15th July
The Met Office has taken the unusual step of issuing an Extreme Heat warning as temperatures build over the weekend.
The Red warning, which has been issued for Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 July, highlights likely adverse health effects for the public, not just limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat.
Temperatures could be in around 32C within the warning area, and in some areas could be in excess of 35C .Read more about the weather warning on the Met Office website.
What to expect:
Population-wide adverse health effects experienced, not limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat, leading to serious illness or danger to life. Government advice is that 999 services should be used in emergencies only; seek advice from 111 if you need non-emergency health advice.
· Substantial changes in working practices and daily routines will be required
· High risk of failure of heat-sensitive systems and equipment, potentially leading to localised loss of power and other essential services, such as water or mobile phone services
· Significantly more people visiting coastal areas, lakes and rivers, leading to an increased risk of water safety incidents
· Delays on roads and road closures, along with delays and cancellations to rail and air travel, with significant welfare issues for those who experience even moderate delays
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How to look after yourself and others during hot weather
Check on others
- Check on older people or sick neighbours, family or friends every day during hot weather.
Stay hydrated
- Stay hydrated – drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol.
- If you need to travel, ensure you take water with you.
Physical activity
- Avoid extreme physical exertion. If you can’t avoid strenuous outdoor activity, such as sport, DIY or gardening, keep it for cooler parts of the day – for example, in the early morning or evening.
Keeping your home cool
- Shade or cover windows exposed to direct sunlight and keep windows that are exposed to the sun closed during the day. External shutters or shades, if you have them, are very effective, while internal blinds or curtains are less effective. Care should be taken with metal blinds and dark curtains, as these can absorb heat.
- If possible and safe, open windows at night if it feels cooler outside.
- Turn off non-essential lights and electrical equipment – they generate heat.
- During the hottest periods find the coolest part of your home or garden/outside or local green space to sit in. If going outdoors, use cool spaces considerately.
Look out for the signs of heat-related harm
- If you feel dizzy, weak or have intense thirst and a headache, move to a cool place as soon as possible. Drink some water or diluted fruit juice to rehydrate. Avoid excess alcohol.
- If you have painful muscular spasms (particularly in the legs, arms, or abdomen), rest immediately in a cool place and drink electrolyte drinks. Most people should start to recover within 30 mins and if not, you should seek medical help. Call 111 if you feel unusual symptoms, or if symptoms persist.
- Call 999 if a person develops any signs of heatstroke as this is a medical emergency.
- Further information on heatstroke and heat-related illness are available here.
Visit the NHS website for information on how to look after you, your family and friends during a heatwave.