People are being urged to take extra precautions as temperatures are set to soar over the coming days. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office have issued a Level 2 heat-health alert for the South West, East Midlands, West Midlands, North West and Yorkshire and the Humber regions.
A Level 3 alert has also been issued for the East of England, South East and London regions, which were all placed under a Level 2 alert on Thursday. Both alert levels are currently in place from 9am on Monday, July 11, until 9am on Friday, July 15, with warm weather forecast across the country throughout the course of next week.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: "Heat-health alerts have now been issued to the majority of the country, with temperatures set to remain consistently high throughout the duration of next week. Most of us can enjoy the hot weather when it arrives, but it is important to keep yourself hydrated and to find shade where possible when UV rays are strongest, between 11am and 3pm.
If you have vulnerable family, friends and neighbours, make sure they are aware of how they can keep themselves protected from the warm weather. The top ways for staying safe when the heat arrives are to:
- look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated – older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk
- stay cool indoors by closing curtains on rooms that face the sun – and remember that it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
- drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
- never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
- check that fridges, freezers and fans are working properly
- try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest
- walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat
- avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day
- make sure you take water with you if you are travelling
- take care and make sure to follow local safety advice if you are going into the water to cool down
- check medicines can be stored according to the instructions on the packaging
More information on the common signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke are available on NHS.UK. UKHSA’s Beat the heat checklist identifies suitable actions people can take to protect themselves during periods of hot weather.
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