Met Office
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UK on Summer heatwave alert

UK on Summer heatwave alert

News Release issued by the Government News Network on 01 July 2009

Over the last few days parts of England have seen temperatures climb to highs of around 31 °C by day, but a key factor has been the night time temperatures. Lows in some areas have not fallen below 18 °C.

Head of Health Forecasting at the Met Office, Wayne Elliott said: “There are four key things to try and remember during a heatwave. If possible stay out of the heat during the middle part of the day; cool yourself down; keep your environment cool and look out for others, especially older people, those living alone and babies and young children.”

Heatwaves can be dangerous. Advice on how to reduce the risk, either for yourself or somebody you know, can be obtained from the NHS or your local pharmacist.

Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, Eddy Carroll said: “Temperatures are likely to peak today and tomorrow, reaching 32°C (90°F) before becoming less hot by the weekend as noticeably fresher conditions with the risk of showers pushes east across the country.”

Showers bring the risk of some large rainfall totals locally and the Met Office has issued an advisory of heavy rainfall for parts of western Britain on Thursday.

The latest Heat-Health Watch: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/heathealth/index.html

The latest UK weather forecast:
http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/uk_forecast_weather.html

Advisory:
http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/uk_forecast_warnings.html?day=1

For more information please contact the Met Office Press Office

Note to Editors:

* More information about hot weather and health can be found at www.nhs.uk. If you are concerned about your health or somebody you care for, please contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647, www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or your local pharmacist.

* The Met Office is the UK’s National Weather Service, providing 24x7 world-renowned scientific excellence in weather, climate and environmental forecasts and severe weather warnings for the protection of life and property.

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