With the Met Office forecasting hotter and humid weather over the coming days, it’s important to plan how you’ll keep cool and healthy in the heat this summer.
Although hot weather can be pleasant for many people, there are some vulnerable groups such as the very young, the elderly, or those with pre-existing heart and lung conditions who are at particular risk during hot and humid spells.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Dan Suri said: “Temperatures will continue to climb through the week with a hot spell developing across much of England and Wales. From Wednesday temperatures will widely reach into the high twenties Celsius and it’ll be hot across much of the UK, especially central and southern England where we could see highs of 30 to 34 Celsius.
“This hot weather is expected to last until at least Friday and so heatwave conditions are likely to develop for some areas this week. In addition to the warm days we are going to see some warm nights this week as temperatures overnight remain in the mid to high teens across England and Wales.”
While the risks of cold winter weather are relatively well-known, periods of unusually hot and humid weather in the summer can be equally dangerous, especially for people with a range of underlying health conditions. The top ways for staying safe when the heat arrives are to:
- close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler, and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
- drink plenty of plain water, as sugary, alcoholic and caffeinated drinks can make you more dehydrated
- never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
- try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm
- take care and follow local safety advice if you are going into the water to cool down
- stay in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat if you have to go out in the heat
- avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day
- wear light, loose fitting cotton clothes
- make sure you take water with you if you are travelling
- look out for others, especially older people, young children and babies and those with underlying health conditions
The hot and humid weather which is forecast for this week could also cause violent thunderstorms and heavy downpours in some areas, with the possibility of flash floods. Again, it’s important to take extra care in extreme weather and look out for family, friends and neighbours who might be at risk.
You can find out more about the weather in your local area, including any weather warnings in force, by clicking here to visit the Met Office website.