Heatwave thresholds are set to be met this week with millions of Brits urged to follow four strict rules to stay safe in the boiling mercury
Britain is set to be plunged into another heatwave in just hours as the mercury is set to skyrocket yet again.
The Met Office has confirmed that temperatures could climb into the low 30Cs again by the end of this week.
Deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley said: “High pressure from the Atlantic will gradually exert its influence over the UK this week. We’ll see temperatures build day-on-day, with the potential for hot conditions to become quite widespread by the end of the week and into the weekend.”
When heatwave thresholds are met, the forecaster urges Brits to follow a set of guidelines for safety in the heat. These include daylight hours to swerve if you’re negatively impacted by the heat, to watching over neighbours who could be vulnerable in such conditions.
One of their core rules is to avoid the sun at its strongest, which is 11am to 3pm.
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The Met Office coupled with the UKHSA said in its guidance: “The heat can affect your health and make you feel unwell, there are many simple things you can do to keep yourself safe.”
Brits are to bring water with them wherever they go, as well as wear sunscreen protection. A wide-brimmed hat is strongly recommended for extra protection.
Drinking plenty of fluids is important to keep hydrated in hot temperatures. When it’s hot, the body sweats to cool down and naturally loses fluids. Drinking water is key, IU Health said.
As many Brits use public transport to get around, this is crucial, especially during rush hour, when trains and buses tend to be extra packed with people trying to get home.
READ MORE: How to stay cool in hot weather without air conditioning and sleep better on hot nights
For those who love to spend time outdoors exercising or enjoy the weather, it’s best to avoid doing so between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is the strongest. If you decide to go out for the sunshine, SPF protection is a must. The higher, the better.
Last but not least, close the curtains in rooms that face the sun if you’re going to be out of the house for a long time. Why? Because the sun can radiate through the windows, making your home hotter than it needs to be.
By closing the curtains, your house remains cooler. It’s also helpful if you have any pets at home, to prevent them from feeling uncomfortable and in worst cases, getting heatstroke.
When will the heatwave end?
While the mercury is set to creep up to heatwave levels by this weekend, there are signs, according to the Met Office, that things will begin to cool down by early next week.
“Exactly how quickly this transfers eastwards is uncertain,” the Met Office said. “It’s certainly possible that hot conditions may persist for a while longer, especially towards the south and east.”