An amber heat health alert is in place for several areas of England
Brits have been warned to avoid the sun between specific hours over the coming days amid an amber heat health alert. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said that temperatures are expected to exceed 30C in certain areas, leading to “serious” health risks.
The amber heat health warning is in place from today (August 12) until tomorrow evening for five parts of England. This alert means “weather impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service”.
Those aged over 65 years or those with pre-existing health conditions are also particularly vulnerable, according to experts. Areas with the heat alert in place are the West Midlands, East Midlands, South East, London, and East of England.
In addition, the North West and North East regions, as well as the South West and Yorkshire and the Humber regions are under a yellow heat health alert. Dr Paul Coleman, consultant in public health at the UKHSA, said: “Temperatures are forecast to rise above 30C across central and southern parts of the country over the next few days, and generally hot weather is expected across most regions of England.
“These kind of temperatures can result in serious health outcomes across the population – particularly in those who are vulnerable, such as the elderly or those with serious health conditions – so it is important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.
“If you have friends, family or neighbours who are vulnerable, it is important to ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice. Check in on them if you can to make sure they know that hot weather is on the way and how to keep themselves safe.”
As part of the UKHSA advice for staying safe in hot weather, people have been told to keep out of the sun at the “hottest time of the day” – between 11am and 3pm.
Other guidance includes:
- Keeping your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
- If you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing, such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, and seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly
- If you are going to do a physical activity (for example, exercising or walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler, such as the morning or evening
- Knowing the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them
Symptoms
Before it progresses into heatstroke, the warning signs of heat exhaustion include:
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Feeling sick or being sick
- Cramps in the arms, legs, and stomach
- Excessive sweating and skin becoming pale and clammy, or getting a heat rash
- Fast breathing or heartbeat
- A high temperature
- Being very thirsty
- Weakness
The NHS says you should call 999 if you or someone else have signs of heatstroke, including:
- Still feeling unwell after 30 minutes of resting in a cool place, being cooled and drinking fluids
- a very high temperature
- Having hot skin that’s not sweating and might look red (this can be harder to see on brown and black skin)
- A fast heartbeat
- Fast breathing or shortness of breath
- Confusion and lack of coordination
- A seizure or fit
- Loss of consciousness
For more information, visit the NHS website here.