News

Red warning- extreme heat. An exceptional spell of hot and humid weather is expected across this region, with impacts to the general population highly likely. It's important to stay safe in warm weather. Check the Met office website for the latest forecast. Here are helpful tips to stay safe.

Actions you can take to stay safe in hot weather

• if you are going to do a physical activity (for example exercise or walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler such as the early morning or the evening

• keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun

• drink plenty offluids and limit your alcohol intake

• check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at  higher risk  of becoming unwell, and if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you

• know the symptoms of  heat exhaustion and heatstroke  and what to do if you or someone else has them

• Try to avoid direct sunlight, especially between 11am and 3pm when UV levels are highest

• If you are going out during this time, cover up with suitable clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, seek shade and apply sunscreen liberally and re-apply frequently

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke

Heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats and cannot cool down. Heat exhaustion does not usually need emergency medical attention if you cool down within 30 minutes. If you do not take action to cool down, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke.Common symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• tiredness

• weakness

• feeling faint

• headache

• muscle cramps

• feeling or being sick

• heavy sweating

• intense thirst

Heatstroke is where the body is no longer able to cool down and the body temperature becomes dangerously high.

Common symptoms of heatstroke include:

• confusion

• lack of co-ordination

• fast heartbeat

• fast breathing or shortness of breath

• hot skin that is not sweating

• seizures

Heatstroke is a medical emergency. If you think someone has heatstroke you should dial 999 and then try to cool them down.

You can find out more about  symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke  on NHS.UK.

The NHS has useful advice on coping with hot weather  and spotting signs of heat-exhaustion and heat stroke in yourself and other people. Please also look out for other people who might be struggling in the heat.

Look out for others: 

• keep an eye on isolated, elderly, ill or very young people and make sure they are able to keep cool 

• ensure that babies, children or elderly people are not left alone in stationary cars 

• check on elderly or sick neighbours, family or friends every day during a heatwave 

Prevent dehydration

Drink fluids regularly throughout the day especially if you are physically active. You should drink enough that your pee is a pale straw colour.

Water and diluted squash or lower fat milks are good choices. Fruit juice, smoothies and soft drinks can be high in sugar which dehydrates the body. Limit the amount of fruit juice or smoothies that you drink, and swap sugary soft drinks for diet, sugar-free or no added sugar varieties.

If you are going out, take a refillable bottle filled with water. Take extra water for journeys on public transport or by car.

Alcohol has a dehydrating effect on the body, so it is a good idea to choose alcohol-free options, or alternate alcoholic drinks with a glass of water.

If you are fasting during a heatwave, it is important to drink enough to adequately hydrate before you fast and follow the guidance on keeping cool and preventing dehydration. People with underlying health conditions should seek medical advice before fasting.

Protect yourself from the sun

The sun is often strong enough in the UK to cause sunburn even when it is cloudy. Babies and children’s skin is more sensitive and are particularly at risk of skin damage from the sun.

Take the following actions to protect yourself from the sun:

• try to stay in the shade, between 11am and 3pm when UV levels are highest

• wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothes, such as a long-sleeved shirt, trousers, or long skirts in close-weave fabrics

• wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, eyes, head, ears, and neck

• wear sunglasses which are wraparound or with wide arms to provide protection from the sun

• apply sunscreen generously and re-apply frequently, especially after activities that remove it, such as swimming or towelling. The NHS recommends that this should be with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, and 4 or 5 star ultraviolet A (UVA) protection

You can find more information on sunscreen and sun safety, including how to apply sunscreen, on NHS.UK.