The UK could see an official heatwave declared in the coming days with the Met Office stating that “very warm, locally hot weather” could be enjoyed.
The forecast heat of 32°C has seen the weather agency announce a yellow warning for all areas of England, except the north-east and north-west, from 9am on Monday to 11pm on Wednesday.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned that expected hot weather may have “significant impacts” on the health and social care sector, particularly across the south-east and London.
Keep reading to find out more about the dangers and what you can do to protect yourself.
What are some of the dangers of staying out in the sun?
Enjoying the sun is fine in short doses and in most circumstances, even being largely beneficial to your health thanks to its supply of vitamin D.
But sunburn and excessive UV light exposure do damage the skin, the John Hopkins University states.
The body has, in melanin, a natural defence against ultraviolet rays but when an excess level is absorbed it will create sunburn.
And, while sunburn is uncomfortable but often passes, too much sun exposure can be dangerous and lead to aging of the skin, wrinkling, skin cancer and cataracts.
The university added: “Measures should be taken to prevent overexposure to sunlight.
“These preventive measures can reduce the risks of cancers, premature ageing of the skin, the development of cataracts, and other harmful effects.”
How long can you safely stay out in the sun?
There is not a hard and fast rule as it depends on your skin type and how fierce or mild the sun is on any given Sunday.
However, it is acknowledged by the US National Institute of Health that when there are higher UV levels (which the Met Office explains here) then it is less safe to be outside.
It is a worst case scenario for fair-skinned people on a clear day in baking sunshine when the sun is at its highest.
In these scenarios it is suggested to limit time exposed to 10 minutes.
What should you do to protect against sunburn?
Wearing suncream, seeking shade, not venturing out too far at the hottest periods and wearing a hat as well as long-sleeved clothing are all helpful measures.
Suncream ingredients help prevent UV rays from damaging your skin. Physical blockers contain minerals such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide that sit on the surface of the skin and reflect UV rays.
There is a good range of products on offer for children, adults, teens and those with specific skin conditions.
And to protect your scalp, there are specific suncreams on offer giving an array of options and prices.
