Heatwaves

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

A heatwave can affect anyone, but the most vulnerable people are:

• older people, especially those over 75

• babies and young children

• people with a serious chronic condition, especially heart or breathing problems

• people with mobility problems – for example, people with Parkinson's disease or who have had a stroke

• people with serious mental health problems

• people on certain medications, including those that affect sweating and temperature control

• people who misuse alcohol or drugs

• people who are physically active – for example, labourers or those doing sports

• Tips for coping in hot weather

• Shut windows and pull down the shades when it is hotter outside. You can open the windows for ventilation when it is cooler.

• Avoid the heat: stay out of the sun and don't go out between 11am and 3pm (the hottest part of the day) if you're vulnerable to the effects of heat.

• 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).

• Have cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water.

• Drink cold drinks regularly, such as water and diluted fruit juice. Avoid excess alcohol, caffeine (tea, coffee and cola) or drinks high in sugar.

• Listen to alerts on the radio, TV and social media about keeping cool. 

• Plan ahead to make sure you have enough supplies, such as food, water and any medications you need.

• Identify the coolest room in the house so you know where to go to keep cool.

• Wear loose, cool clothing, and a hat and sunglasses if you go outdoors.

• Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves.

• Shut windows and pull down the shades when it is hotter outside. You can open the windows for ventilation when it is cooler.

• Avoid the heat: stay out of the sun and don't go out between 11am and 3pm (the hottest part of the day) if you're vulnerable to the effects of heat.

• 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).

• Have cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water.

• Drink cold drinks regularly, such as water and diluted fruit juice. Avoid excess alcohol, caffeine (tea, coffee and cola) or drinks high in sugar.

• Listen to alerts on the radio, TV and social media about keeping cool. 

• Plan ahead to make sure you have enough supplies, such as food, water and any medications you need.

• Identify the coolest room in the house so you know where to go to keep cool.

• Wear loose, cool clothing, and a hat and sunglasses if you go outdoors.

• Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves.