Coping in hot weather
It is very important to stay safe in hot weather. Many people look forward to it, but warm spells can pose health risks for some. Heatwaves can arrive suddenly and other factors, such as humidity, can influence the effect of changes in temperature on us.
Please protect yourself and others from too much sun or heat, carry water when travelling and to think of those who may not cope as well in the heat. Some people are more vulnerable to high temperatures (see the list below). It's important to consider whether this might be you, or someone you live with or care for.
We can also help one another by looking out for friends, family and neighbours, sign-posting them to useful information and asking them if they need help staying cool.
Being aware and sensible
Hot weather can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, lung problems and other diseases. Older people, babies and young children are more likely to be unwell from hot weather because their bodies are less able to regulate temperature. People with underlying medical conditions can also be vulnerable to the effects of hot weather.
However, many of the harms linked to heat exposure are preventable if a few simple actions are taken. Media reporting can sound alarmist or be confusing – what matters most is that we check weather reports, apply our common sense and think ahead.
Beat the heat: guidance and support
There is hot weather advice on the NHS and Gov UK websites, covering topics including:
Actions you can take to stay safe in hot weather
About hot weather and health
People at higher risk of becoming unwell in hot weather
How to cool down
How to be prepared for hot weather
Staying well when there is hot weather
Staying safe when swimming
Sun safety
The materials are also available in Easy Read format, British Sign Language, and 11 languages other than English.
Some summarised top tips
Tips for coping in hot weather
Keep out of the heat if you can. If you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter
Cool yourself down. Have cold food and regular cold drinks. Drink extra fluids but avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, and have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes
Keep your living space cool. Close windows, curtains and blinds during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down. Electric fans can help if the temperature is below 35 degrees
Check the temperature of rooms, especially where people at higher risk live and sleep, and make sure to check on anyone who is at higher risk from the heat
Temperatures indoors can be higher than temperatures outdoors. It might be cooler to sit under a tree outdoors than staying indoors
How to cool down if you’re feeling overheated
Move to a cooler place, such as a room with air conditioning or somewhere in the shade, and avoid direct sunlight
Remove all unnecessary clothing like a jacket or socks
Drink cool water, a sports or rehydration drink, or eat cold and water rich foods like ice-lollies
Apply cool water by spray or sponge to exposed skin, and using cold packs wrapped in a cloth and put under the armpits or on the neck can also help
Reach out for practical support
If you're worried and unsure about what to do, please contact us via email or our support line: 0800 0388 885
As always, if you feel a person is unwell and needs medical help, call 999.