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Public Health England - Heat Health Warning Issued

 

Warnings have been sounded today by Public Health England (PHE) following forecasts of hot weather for the coming days and nights.

The Met Office says hot and humid weather will arrive today in the East of England, the South East, London and the East Midlands, which will all be put on heatwave Level 2 status from this evening.

Dr Thomas Waite, of the Extreme Events team at PHE, said:

“Because the heat is going to arrive very soon, think today about what you can do, and for those around you, to stay cool during the daytime and particularly at night.

“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.

“To keep homes and sleeping areas cool at night remember to close curtains on windows that face the sun during the day, once the sun is off windows open them up to get a breeze and think about turning off electrical devices all over the home as they can generate unwanted heat too.”

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 temperature thresholds for at least two days and the intervening night.

Paul Gunderson, Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said:

"It is going to be a very warm few days across parts of the UK. Temperatures are expected to reach around 28 °C in the south east tomorrow, and London could see temperatures over 30°C.  Night time temperatures are also looking warm with the south east dropping to just the high teens overnight.

"The heat is expected to be more widespread both during the day and overnight on Wednesday, although peak temperatures probably not quite as high as on Tuesday."

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 Waite 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.

Contact information

Matthew Pardo
Public Health England
01235 825 406
matthew.pardo@phe.gov.uk