Heat health warning
18 Jul 2016 02:01 PM
Heatwave temperatures have been forecast for almost all parts of England, prompting warnings from Public Health England.
The Met Office has forecast that heatwave conditions may hit by lunchtime today (Monday 18 July) in the South West, South East, London, East of England, East Midlands, West Midlands and Yorkshire and the Humber.
Dr Angie Bone, Head of Extreme Events at Public Health England (PHE) said:
Much of the advice on beating the heat is common sense and for most people there’s nothing to really worry about.
But for some people, such as older people, those with underlying health conditions and those with young children, summer heat can bring real health risks.
This summer we’re urging people to keep an eye on those at-risk and if you’re able, offer help to stay cool and hydrated. This is a good time, before the warmer weather arrives, to think about who you may be able to assist and what you may be able to do. There’s lots of guidance on NHS Choices and more detail in the Heatwave Plan for England.
The Met Office declared a Level 2 heat-health alert this morning. That means that there is a high chance that temperatures will hit certain thresholds for 2 days and the intervening night.
Paul Gundersen, Chief Operational Meteorologist at the Met Office said:
High pressure, warm air and light winds will result in widespread very warm conditions today (Monday), becoming locally hot, with isolated thunderstorms developing, these most likely across northern England.
Tonight temperatures fall a little, but then through tomorrow temperatures rise again as very warm air pushes north from across the Continent. This will lead to widespread hot conditions, with increasing humidity as well.
The very warm and humid weather will continue through Tuesday evening and much of Wednesday leading to a hot and humid night. Meanwhile, intense thunderstorms may develop, these most likely across northern England.
On Wednesday, fresher conditions gradually arrive from the west across England, clearing away the thunderstorms eastwards.
The top ways for staying safe when the heat arrives are to:
- look out for others, especially older people, young children and babies and those with underlying health conditions
- drink plenty of water; sugary, alcoholic and caffeinated drinks can make you more dehydrated
- close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
- open windows when it feels cooler outside and it’s safe to do so
- 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
- walk 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
Dr Bone said:
The hot weather won’t make life difficult for all of us; indeed, many of us will make the most of it when the sun shines. But some people may not be able to adapt to the extra strain hot weather will put on their bodies and may feel the ill-effects.
Each year we hear stories of people who have fallen seriously ill because, even though it’s hotter, they may wear clothes which are too warm for hot weather, they may not drink enough or just try to do too much.
By looking out for each other this summer we, health professionals, councils and the public, can all help each other stay well this summer.
Background
Public Health England exists to protect and improve the nation’s health and wellbeing, and reduce health inequalities. It does this through world-class science, knowledge and intelligence, advocacy, partnerships and the delivery of specialist public health services. PHE is an operationally autonomous executive agency of the Department of Health. Follow us on Twitter: @PHE_uk and Facebook:www.facebook.com/PublicHealthEngland.
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