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The Met Office has raised a heatwave warning alert on behalf of
the Department of Health.
This has triggered heatwave plan alert level three. This means that
high temperatures have been reached and sustained in one or more
regions, with two consecutive very warm nights, a hot intervening
day and a forecast of even higher temperatures for today and
tomorrow.
The highest temperatures will be to the west of London where 31-32 degrees celsius should be reached. Temperatures of up to 33 degrees celsius are expected in London by tomorrow, Friday.
These hot conditions will persist until Friday, with lower
temperatures moving in by the weekend.
The Department of Health is reminding people to remain aware of the
risks faced by elderly friends and relatives during a heatwave.
Yvonne Doyle, Regional Director of Public Health in the South
East said:
“Everyone’s health can be affected by the heat, with
greater risks of dehydration, sunburn, heat exhaustion and
heatstroke. Those most at risk are the very young and the very old,
and people who already have health conditions, especially heart and
respiratory problems – the heat can make their symptoms
worse.”
Although ozone levels increase in hot weather, they drop in the
evening. Windows should be kept shaded and closed when the
temperature is hotter outside than inside. People with respiratory
problems should stay inside during the hottest part of the
day.
People are advised to contact their local environmental health
officer if they have concerns for themselves or a vulnerable
friend, neighbour or relative. Environmental health practitioners
at local authorities can visit to inspect the condition of a home
for hazards to health, including excess heat.
Top tips for coping during a heatwave include:
• Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be
less able to look after themselves.
• Shut and shade windows when it is hotter outside than inside
and open them for ventilation when it is cooler outside.
• People with serious health problems (for example heart
conditions), should avoid going out in the heat, especially between
11am and 3pm.
• Drink cold drinks like water or fruit juice regularly and
avoid tea, coffee and alcohol.
• Stay tuned to the weather forecast and plan ahead with
supplies – think of elderly neighbours who may need help with
supplies.
• Keep plenty of water to hand and stay in the shade where
possible
• Identify the coolest room in the house to use as a room to
cool down or sleep in.
Contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or NHS Direct Online at www.nhs.uk
for advice about heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
