Heatwave conditions set to bathe the South West in sunshine have sparked a heat health warning to be issued. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Met Office has set up the alert which covers seven areas of the country from 9am tomorrow (June 23) to 9am on Monday (June 26).
Along with the West Country, the other regions included in the warning are London, South East, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, and Yorkshire and the Humber. The warning adds a "sustained period of hot weather" has been forecast.
Bosses at the UKHSA and Met Office have urged people at risk include those with pre-existing medical conditions and anyone aged 65 and over. People have been urged to check in on friends and family during the alert period, which covers most of the Glastonbury Festival weekend.
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Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: "This heat-health alert means that in the coming days we are likely to experience another sustained period of hot weather, so it’s important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.
"Forecasted temperatures this week could primarily impact those over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions. If you have friends, family or neighbours who are more vulnerable, it is important to check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice."
The following advice has been issued on keeping yourself and others safe during hot weather periods:
- 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.
- Keep out of the direct sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm.
- 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 morning or evening.
- Keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun.
- If you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly.
- Drink plenty of fluids and limit your alcohol intake.
Met Office five-day weather forecast for South West England
Today: Early mist or fog will clear quickly through the morning, leaving a bright start. The odd isolated light shower, mainly in the east, but drier than recent days, and feeling warmer than Wednesday. Maximum temperature 26 °C.
Tonight: Any showers will ease through the evening, becoming drier with clear skies overnight. The odd patch of mist or low cloud developing by dawn. A warm night with light winds. Minimum temperature 13 °C.
Friday: Early mist and low cloud will clear quickly, leaving another dry day with plenty of sunshine, although turning hazier later. Feeling warm and humid. Maximum temperature 24 °C.
Outlook for Saturday to Monday: Feeling warm and humid, staying largely dry on Saturday with hazy sunshine, but showery rain in the west on Sunday. Dry and feeling fresher on Monday. Breezy, particularly at coasts.
