Warm weather advice

When the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issues a heat health alert, it’s time for everyone to take extra care in the warm weather. On this page, you will find some useful advice on how to stay cool and safe during periods of warm weather.

"When temperatures rise, ambulance services often see an increase in 999 calls for help. Many of the risks of the heat are preventable, so we would ask everyone to be prepared and look out for each other.”

NHS Ambulance Service spokeswoman

The main risks posed by a heatwave are heat exhaustion, heatstroke, dehydration and overheating, which is particularly worse for those with underlying heart or breathing problems. A heatwave can affect anyone, but the most vulnerable people are:

1. Older people, especially those over 75 and female

2. Those who live on their own or in a care home

3. Individuals with serious long-term illness or some mental health conditions

4. Those who are on multiple medicines may be more likely to be affected by warm weather

5. Babies and the very young, the bed-bound, or drug and alcohol addictions

6. Those who spend a lot of time outside or in hot places, like people who live on a top floor in a flat or apartment, the homeless, or people whose jobs are outside or in warm working environments.”

   
   

Stay cool and hydrated

Do

• Drink plenty of fluids

• Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses when outside

• Cool your skin with water

• Take it slow and avoid strenuous activity

• Stay in the shade outside, especially between 11 am and 3 pm when it’s the hottest

Do not

• Drink excessive amounts of alcohol, as it has a dehydrating effect on the body

• Spend long periods in the sun during the hottest part of the day, between 11 am -3 pm

Keep your environment cool

Do

• Close blinds/curtains in your home during the day to reduce the temperature

• Close windows during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down

• Stay in the coolest part of your home

• Use electric fans if the temperature is below 35 degrees

• If the outside is cooler than your home, head outside to cool down

Out and about

Do

• Always carry a refillable water bottle with you when going out

• Travelling? Take plenty of water with you or in your vehicle in case of disruptions to public transport, a vehicle breakdown, or traffic delays.

Do not

• Stay in parked cars or leave anyone (including pets) inside for any amount of time.

Be safe

Do

• Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke

• Check in on vulnerable friends, family, and neighbours

Do not

• Swim in open water without a lifeguard present. Open water poses unique hazards that are often underestimated. Natural bodies of water like lakes and rivers can be unpredictable and dangerous.