Temperatures will rise across much of the UK this week and it’ll get hot and humid in places on Friday and Saturday, before turning cooler on Sunday.
The main risks posed by a heatwave are:
- dehydration (not having enough water)
- overheating, which can make symptoms worse for people who already have problems with their heart or breathing
- heat exhaustion and heatstroke
Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves.
- Keep rooms cool by using shades or reflective material outside the windows. If this isn't possible, use light-coloured curtains and keep them closed (metallic blinds and dark curtains can make the room hotter).
- Encourage them to have cool baths or showers, Place a cool washcloth on the back of the neck and a pan of cool water close by to periodically re-cool the towel.
- Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol – water, lower-fat milks and tea and coffee are good options. Drink fruit juice, smoothies and soft drinks, but they can be high in sugar. Aim for 6 to 8 glasses of water a day, more if it’s very hot.
- Plan ahead to make sure they have enough supplies, such as food, water and any medications they need.
- Identify the coolest room in the house so they know where to go to keep cool.
- Think about Wearing loose, cool clothing, and a hat and sunglasses if they go outdoors.
Contact NHS 111 if someone is feeling unwell.
Information sourced from: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather/