Heatwave
- Severe Weather Warnings
- Heatwave and Large Public Events
- Heat Health Advice During Ramadan
- Climate Change
Severe heatwaves are relatively uncommon in England. However, the experience across Northwest Europe in 2003 when 27,000 people died as a direct cause of extreme temperatures, is a reminder that heat can be fatal. In case of a heatwave, make sure you look after your own health and that of your family. It is not just children who need special attention; be aware that elderly people are also at risk, and make sure they are being checked on.
Keep out of the heat
- If a heatwave is forecast, try and plan your day in a way that allows you to stay out of the heat;
- Avoid alcohol as it can cause dehydration;
- If you can’t avoid strenuous outdoor activity, like sport, DIY, or gardening, keep it for cooler parts of the day, like early morning;
- If you are the organiser of an outdoor event, consider whether additional measures such as shading, provision of chilled water are possible or whether the event could be posponed;
- If you must go out, stay in the shade. Wear a hat and light, loose-fitting clothes, preferably cotton. Apply a high sun protection factor of sun screen. If you’ll be outside for some time, take plenty of water with you.
Stay cool
- Stay inside, in the coolest rooms in your home, as much as possible;
- Close the curtains in rooms that get a lot of sun;
- Keep windows closed while the room is cooler than it is outside;
Open them when the temperature inside rises, and at night for ventilation. If you are worried about security, at least open windows on the first floor and above; - Take cool showers or baths, and splash yourself several times a day with cold water, particularly your face and the back of your neck.
Drink regularly
- Drink regularly even if you do not feel thirsty – water and fruit juice are best;
- Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol as they can cause dehydration;
- Eat as you normally would. Try to eat more cold food, particularly salads and fruit, which contain water.
Seek advice
- Contact your doctor, a pharmacist or www.nhs.uk if you’re worried about your health during a heatwave, especially if you are taking medication, or have any unusual symptoms;
- Look after yourself and others, especially those at greater risk such as elderly people and children: symptoms of heat exhaustion include headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, muscle weakness or cramps, pale skin and a high temperature. If you or someone you know experiences a sudden rise in temperature, confusion or loss of consciousness, heat stroke may have developed;
- If you have these symptoms, rest for several hours, keep cool and drink water or fruit juice. Seek medical advice if you get worse or the symptoms don’t go away.
Health Heat Watch System
A Heat Health Watch System operates in England and Wales from 1 June to 15 September each year in association with the Department of Health and the Welsh Assembly. The Heat-Health Watch system comprises four levels of response based upon threshold maximum daytime and minimum night-time temperatures. These thresholds vary by region. For the West Midlands region the threshold temperature is 30 °C by day and 15 °C overnight.
Each year Public Health England review and update their national planning arrangements and associated guidance to ensure it remains current and in advance of the ‘Heat-Health Watch’ system. Met Office forecasts will trigger levels of response from the Department of Health, Birmingham City Council and other bodies. The plan sets out what needs to happen before and during a severe heatwave in England and includes specific measures to protect at-risk groups. This national plan is then used as a basis for local planning arrangements.
For information about the Heat Health Watch System visits:
Our Severe Weather Warning pages
Public Health England, Heatwave Plan for England
People worried about their health during the heatwave are advised to talk to their GP, pharmacist, or visit the website: www.nhs.uk
