Tomorrow is shaping up to be the hottest day of the year in Renfrewshire as the mercury looks set to hit 30 degrees Celsius.
The area sizzled in 28-degree heat today and families, friends and neighbours have been asked to check up on older adults who may be struggling to cope with the immense July heat.
Met Office experts have warned that sunburn or heat exhaustion (dehydration, nausea, fatigue) and other heat-related illnesses could become an issue in the coming days.
Roar - Connections for Life is a charity that cares for older adults across Renfrewshire.
CEO Cassie Forbes said: “We will be checking in with some of our more vulnerable residents. We are also phoning around our club members, as we have clubs running, to make sure they are okay.
“I think we all need to take it particularly easy.”
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Age Scotland, a national charity for older people, is hoping that people can make the best of the good weather but warns that everyone must understand the risk to health and be sure what to do if anyone becomes unwell as a result of the unusually hot weather.
Adam Stachura, from Age Scotland, said: “Much of Scotland is going to be dealing with considerably higher temperatures over the next few days so it is important to keep a gentle eye out for older family, friends and neighbours to make sure that they are coping well with it and know that there is a bit of support to hand if they need it.
“You could encourage them to stay hydrated with the gift of an ice cream, ask if they would like some help getting shopping or picking up any medication, or even lend an extra fan if you have one.
“Older people can be at risk of dehydration and overheating when it's hot, especially if their home is hard to keep cool. Staying hydrated and drinking a bit more water than you are used to is a good idea.
“As we get older it can also be harder for our bodies to manage the sudden and extreme changes in temperatures, and it’s likely that we are living with few health conditions that can be tough to manage in such hot and sunny conditions.”
The Scottish Government held a meeting to prepare for the potential impacts of extreme heat in Scotland and has asked people to follow the water safety code when near lakes and streams.
For more information in how to keep cool, visit the Met office website: www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/seasonal-advice/health-wellbeing/tips-for-keeping-older-people-cool.
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