Public Health England
Latest update
Heatwave temperatures have today (23 August 2016) arrived across the East of England and are now forecast for the South East and London, prompting PHE to again urge people to take extra care.
The Met Office today declared a Level 3 heatwave alert, which means the hot weather has arrived in the East of England - it is forecast to last until Friday morning. Hot temperatures during the day are likely be accompanied by very warm nights for the rest of the week.
A level 2 heatwave alert, a warning that heatwave conditions are likely, has also been issued across the South East and London although many places may see warm temperatures. It is possible that the hot weather will return for the bank holiday weekend.
Because of this PHE is urging people to take care and have fun in the sun, while making sure that support is given to those who may be at risk from the ill effects of heat.
Dr Thom Waite, Consultant in Public health Medicine and part of the Extreme Events team at PHE, said:
Now the heatwave has arrived, people will likely be out and about more enjoying the summer sun.Thats why its really important to remember that there are some people whose health suffers in hot weather. Older people, those with underlying health conditions and young children may all feel the ill-effects of heat over the coming days.
Were urging everyone to keep an eye on those you know who may be at-risk this summer. If youre able, ask if your friends, family or neighbours need any help. There are lots of useful tips and guidance on NHS Choices website and more detail available in the Heatwave Plan for England.
The top ways for staying safe when the heat arrives are to:
- look out for others, especially older people, young children and babies and those with underlying health conditions
- close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
- drink plenty of water, sugary, alcoholic and caffeinated drinks can make you more dehydrated
- open windows when it feels cooler outside and its safe to do so
- never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
- try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm
- if you are going into the water to cool down, take care and follow local safety advice
- if you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat
- avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day
- wear light, loose fitting cotton clothes
Steve Willington, Chief Operational Meteorologist at the Met Office, said:
Much of England will see very warm and sunny weather during Tuesday with temperatures widely reaching the mid to high 20s Celsius and some parts of east and southeast England reaching around 30C. A warm, humid night will follow. Wednesday will bring cloudier skies over much of England, but eastern and southeastern parts will have another hot day.
The heat may lead to some thunderstorms developing later Wednesday and into Thursday with these spreading northeastwards across England. The southeast of England looks likely to hold on to the hot weather until Friday, while elsewhere, temperatures will return to near normal for August, with maximum in the low 20s Celsius.
Dr Waite added:
The hot weather will put an extra strain on bodies and people may feel the ill-effects. Each year we hear stories of people who have fallen seriously ill because, even though its hotter, they may wear clothes which are too warm for hot weather, they may not drink enough or try to do too much.
We know its still the school holidays for many and with a number of high profile events planned for this weekend its really important people in the affected areas keep in mind that the coming days may feel hot, so stay hydrated look out for others and keep an eye on forecasts. That way we can all help each other stay well this summer.
Previous update
22 August 2016
The Met Office has forecast that heatwave conditions may arrive in the East of England by tomorrow (Tuesday 23 August) with similar temperatures possible in parts of London and the South East this week.
Dr Angie Bone, Head of Extreme Events at Public Health England (PHE) said:
Much of the advice on beating the heat is common sense and for most people theres nothing to really worry about. But for some people, such as older people, those with underlying health conditions and those with young children, summer heat can bring real health risks.
The forecast suggests we may be in for some hot days and uncomfortable nights too so nows the time to think about hows best to keep cool and safe.
This summer were urging people to keep an eye on those at-risk and if youre able, offer help to stay cool and hydrated. This is a good time, before the warmer weather arrives, to think about who you may be able to assist and what you may be able to do. Theres lots of guidance on NHS Choices and more detail in the Heatwave Plan for England.
The Met Office declared a Level 2 heat-health alert for the East of England this morning. That means that there is a high chance that temperatures will hit certain thresholds for 2 days and the intervening night. Although no heatwave warning has been sounded for London and the South East, it is possible the regions may experience similar temperatures this week.
The top ways for staying safe when the heat arrives are to:
- look out for others, especially older people, young children and babies and those with underlying health conditions
- drink plenty of water; sugary, alcoholic and caffeinated drinks can make you more dehydrated
- close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
- open windows when it feels cooler outside and its safe to do so
- never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
- try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm
- walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat, if you have to go out in the heat
- avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day
- wear light, loose fitting cotton clothes
Dr Bone said:
The hot weather wont make life difficult for everyone; indeed, many will make the most of it when the sun shines. But some people may not be able to adapt to the extra strain hot weather will put on their bodies and may feel the ill-effects.
Each year we hear stories of people who have fallen seriously ill because, even though its hotter, they may wear clothes which are too warm for hot weather, they may not drink enough or just try to do too much.
By looking out for each other this summer we, health professionals, councils and the public, can all help each other stay well this summer.
18 July 2016
The Met Office declared a Level 2 heat-health alert this morning. That means that there is a high chance that temperatures will hit certain thresholds for 2 days and the intervening night.
Paul Gundersen, Chief Operational Meteorologist at the Met Office said:
High pressure, warm air and light winds will result in widespread very warm conditions today (Monday), becoming locally hot, with isolated thunderstorms developing, these most likely across northern England.
Tonight temperatures fall a little, but then through tomorrow temperatures rise again as very warm air pushes north from across the Continent. This will lead to widespread hot conditions, with increasing humidity as well.
The very warm and humid weather will continue through Tuesday evening and much of Wednesday leading to a hot and humid night. Meanwhile, intense thunderstorms may develop, these most likely across northern England.
On Wednesday, fresher conditions gradually arrive from the west across England, clearing away the thunderstorms eastwards.
The top ways for staying safe when the heat arrives are to:
- look out for others, especially older people, young children and babies and those with underlying health conditions
- drink plenty of water; sugary, alcoholic and caffeinated drinks can make you more dehydratedclose curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
- open windows when it feels cooler outside and its safe to do so
- never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
- try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm
- walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat, if you have to go out in the heat
- avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day
- wear light,