The Met Office has issued a rare Red Extreme Heat Warning on Wednesday and Thursday, meaning the hot weather poses a significant risk to health.
To make sure you keep yourself and others safe, you should stay prepared for the heat and follow advice to keep cool and avoid the heat when possible.
Hot weather can affect anyone, but some people are more vulnerable to the extreme heat than others.
It can particularly affect older people aged 65 and over, babies and young children, people who have serious long-term health conditions and people work or spend a lot of time outside.
It’s important to check in on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell.
If your body overheats, this can cause heatstroke or heat exhaustion which can be very serious and life threatening. Therefore, it’s important to stay wary of the heat and minimise the risk of illness.
Staying safe in hot weather
- Try to avoid the sun when it is strongest, typically between 11am and 3pm. If you are outdoors, apply high protection sunscreen regularly, wear a wide-brimmed hat and seek shade when you can.
- Drink lots of water and stay hydrated throughout the day. Limit caffeine and alcohol, which contribute to dehydration.
- Keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun during the day.
- Limit strenuous physical activity or plan physical activity for times of the day when it is cooler, like the early morning or evening.
- Avoid hot, closed spaces like stationary cars.
- Wear loose, light-coloured clothing made from breathable natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Dark colours and synthetic materials absorb and trap heat, making you feel hotter.
For more advice on how to cope in the hot weather, please see the NHS advice here>>.
To stay up to date with the Met Office heat warning, click here>>.
