An advisory weather alert has been issued for Northern Ireland this week as temperatures are expected to soar.
The NI Weather and Flood Advisory Service says a "Level 1 Advisory for High Temperature" will be in place from Tuesday, August 9 for one week. It will end on Monday, August 15.
Temperatures across the region are to reach into high 20s this week and into the weekend. It could reach official heatwave criteria by Friday, forecasters have warned.
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A spokesperson for the NI Weather and Flood Advisory Service said: "This advisory has been issued due higher temperatures we are set to have this week and into the weekend. Daytime temperatures will be in the mid to high 20s for many areas, with night time temperatures also remaining high making sleeping uncomfortable.
"[The] UV index will be high to very high. Heat can affect your health more than you might think. Prolonged exposure to hot temperatures can lead to worsening of heart problems, respiratory difficulties and serious health problems, and can cause heatstroke, which is potentially fatal."
Here's the advice issued on Tuesday by the NI Weather and Flood Advisory Service:
- Enjoy the weather but try to stay cool.
- Avoid going outside between 11am and 3pm as this is when the sun is at its strongest.
- Spend time in the shade and avoid strenuous activity.
- Do not leave children in vehicles even with the windows down.
- Do not leave animals in vehicles even with the windows down.
- Help others: check up on neighbours, relatives and friends who may be less able to look after themselves (for example, if they have mobility problems).
- It is more important to keep yourself and others cool if you or they have a heart or respiratory condition. If symptoms become worse, seek medical advice.
- Drink water or fruit juice regularly.
- Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol, and if you do drink alcohol make sure you have water or other non-alcoholic drinks too.
- Enjoy the weather but safely!
The Met Office said temperatures are likely to rise into the low to mid-30s in central and southern parts of the UK – but will not be as extreme as the record-breaking heat in July when the thermometer climbed above 40C.
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