Heatwave set to hit as Met Office issue red warning

Published: 15 July 2022

Temperatures across the UK have recently started rise. According to the Met Office, temperatures are set to continue to rise over the weekend and into the first half of next week (currently predicted to start from Sunday 17 July 2022). These temperatures are currently forecast to reach 30°C and up. Therefore, the Met Office have issued a red warning for extreme heat.

Whilst we would love to enjoy the hot weather, there are certain things we should do in order to make sure we stay as safe as possible whilst enjoy the summer.

• Stay Hydrated – It is crucial that we drink plenty of water so that we remain as hydrated as possible. It is also recommended that excessive alcohol drinking is avoided. Taking cool baths or showers and sprinkling water over skin can also help in keeping your temperature down.

• Try to stay out of the sun – Whilst it may be nice to enjoy the sunshine, it can be extremely harmful. You can reduce the risk of becoming injured or unwell by wearing appropriate sunscreen, stay in the shade if possible, and avoid going out between 11am and 3pm.

• Look after those around you – It is important to remember that there are those around us that may not be able to look after themselves during a heatwave. Make sure to check that the elderly and young children are hydrated and staying as cool as possible. Those who live alone or have underlying health conditions such as heart or lung conditions, kidney disease, and diabetes can be especially at risk.

• Stay cool indoors – if you are remaining indoors during this time, make sure you know how to keep your home cool. Close the curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep the room cooler. Even though you are inside and out of the sun, remember to drink plenty as the heat will still affect you. It is also useful to remember that sometimes, it may be cooler outside than inside.

Robyn Dewis, Director of Public Health at Derby City Council, said:

“We know that the warm weather is the perfect opportunity to go out and spend time with friends, family and loved ones but it’s important that we remember that the heat can be extremely dangerous when not taken seriously. We must make sure to stay hydrated and remain as cool as possible.

We must look after those around us who may not be able to look after themselves, children, infants, and the elderly may need assistance during this time to remain cool, safe and healthy. Guidance on how to stay cool can be found on the NHS website. If you require medical advice and it is not an emergency you can also call NHS 111.”

If you would like more information on staying safe in a heatwave, you can visit the NHS website which has information on how to keep cool, safe and healthy in the heat as well as in the sun. You can also learn more by visiting the UK Health Security Agency Blog. If you have any medical enquiries and it is not an emergency, you can call NHS 111. However, if there is an emergency, please call 999.

Health