Perth and Kinross residents and their pets are being urged to stay in the shade or indoors today as temperatures in the region are set to soar to 30 degrees.
The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for Perth and southern Perth and Kinross and warns of an increased risk of wildfires and disruption to transport.
The national weather service has also warned locals about the risks of extreme sunburn or heat exhaustion (dehydration, nausea, fatigue).
The Scottish Government has advised that people drink plenty of cool fluids and avoid physical exertion due to the searing heatwave.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is urging the public to take extra care as the risk rating for wildfires in eastern and southern Scotland was raised to ‘very high’ from yesterday (July 18) until Friday.
The Met Office amber weather warning initially covered the north of England and the Scottish Borders before being extended further north on Sunday.
The warning runs from midnight on July 18 to 11.59pm on July 19 (Tuesday).
It comes as a national emergency was declared south of the border after a red ‘extreme heat’ warning was issued for the first time by the Met Office – with temperatures to peak at 40 degrees.
Local temperatures look set to be hotter than Singapore’s today, with the Met Office stating: “A hot spell is likely to develop from Sunday, likely peaking early next week, leading to widespread impacts on people and infrastructure.
“Government advice is that 999 services should be used in emergencies only – seek advice from 111 if you need
non-emergency health advice.
“The wider population are likely to experience some adverse health effects including sunburn or heat exhaustion (dehydration, nausea, fatigue) and other heat related illnesses.
“An increased chance that some heat-sensitive systems and equipment may fail, potentially leading to localised power cuts and the loss of other services to some homes and businesses.
“Some delays to road, rail and air travel are possible, with potential for welfare issues for those who experience prolonged delays.”
The head of local pet welfare groups Dog Friendly Perthshire and Missing Pets Perth and Kinross Katie McCandless-Thomas stressed the importance of “extra precautions” in such high temperatures. “It’s recommended to walk your dogs early in the morning or late evening when it’s far cooler and stick to the shade,” she explained.
“Watch your dog’s paws in this heat. Tarmac and sand can be extremely painful for a dog’s paws and can cause burns to their paw pads.
“If it’s too uncomfortable to touch when you place your hand to the ground then it will be the same for your dog’s paws.
“Stick to grassy or shaded areas instead.
“Heatstroke is one of the biggest concerns in high temperatures. Any dog can be at risk of heatstroke, but flat faced dogs, giant breeds and dogs with thick coats can be more prone to it.
“Look out for these signs of heatstroke like heavy panting, vomiting or diarrhoea, and shaking or weakness.
“If your dog is showing any signs of heat stroke please call your vet immediately.
“Never leave your dog in a hot car. And of course make sure your dog always has access to a bowl of fresh water.”
The main Scottish Government guidance advises:
● staying indoors or shaded when the sun is at its hottest
● drinking plenty of cool fluids
● eating cold foods with high water content – salads and fruit
● taking a cool shower, bath or body wash
● sprinkling water over skin
● avoiding alcohol which causes dehydration.
● avoiding extreme exertion.
The weather service also warns not to leave babies, children or older people alone in stationary cars and not to transport animals in extreme temperatures.
