It’s been a hot couple of days and as the Met Office has issued a Level 3 Heatwave warning across many parts of England, including the North West, Halton Council is offering advice on being prepared for summer.

The Heatwave alert is triggered when the Met Office forecasts that there is at least 60% chance of temperatures being high enough on at least two consecutive days and the night to have a significant effect on health.

This week, temperatures are approaching 30°C by day and over 15°C overnight. It is possible that some areas of the UK may get even higher than 35°C which is amongst the hottest we can expect to see in England.

It’s lovely to see the sunshine, but some people such as older people and young children are more vulnerable to the effects of heat which can impact on health. We all need to take precautions to enjoy the sunshine and the heat safely.

The key messages for summer weather are to keep safe in the sun, seek shade to cool down and keep hydrated with plenty of cool fluids.

Top advice for being sun and heat safe include:

  • try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm
  • wear UV sunglasses, preferably wraparound, to reduce UV exposure to the eyes
  • walk in the shade
  • apply sunscreen of at least SPF15 with UVA protection
  • wear a hat and light scarf. Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes to reduce the risk of sunburn
  • drink lots of cool drinks
  • look out for others especially vulnerable groups such as the older people young children and babies and those with serious illnesses
  • never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
  • Keep bedrooms and living spaces as cool as possible by closing the curtains and opening your windows at cooler times of the day and overnight when you can. Turn off non-essential lights and electrical items as these generate heat.

If you know someone who is vulnerable and lives alone, please check on them regularly, and help ensure everyone can stay cool and healthy this summer.

For more information:

See the Heatwave Plan for England for more information

NHS Choices https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather/

PHE Beat the Heat https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/731044/2018_Beat_the_Heat_Leaflet.pdf