Heatwave health warning in place as UK basks in summer sunshine
THE MET Office has issued the second highest heatwave alert for all of Britain as the country endures some extreme heat.
The level three amber heatwave warning is one behind a national emergency and has been issued until 9am on Thursday, as forecasters anticipate highs of 33C (91.4).
Yesterday the temperature reached 32C (91F) at RAF Northolt, west London, while Yorkshire was in the late 20s.
The amber warning is issued when “there is a 90 per cent probability of heatwave conditions” according to the Met Office website. It means social and healthcare workers should ensure high-risk groups including the elderly, children and those with medical conditions, are kept cool and hydrated.
The NHS has issued advice and guidelines on the www.nhs.uk website to help people deal with the blazing sunshine.
NHS advice includes urging people to: “Spend time in the shade when the sun is strongest, between 11am and 3pm.”
It also said: “Keep rooms cool by using shades, have cool baths or showers and stay hydrated.”
There has also been one incident of a road surface melting near Guildford, where spilt oil had “melted into the tarmac due to the heat”, according to Surrey Police.
In response to the extreme hot weather, Simon Bottery, director of policy at Independent Age, the older people’s charity said: “Older people can suffer adverse effects on their health during the hot weather and can be more vulnerable to heatstroke, heat exhaustion and dehydration.
“We would encourage the elderly to keep as cool and as hydrated as possible, and stay out of the extreme heat and sun.“
Unusual levels of UV are also being recorded in the UK, which has prompted warnings that people should take sensible precautions as the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, is this week.
Keep rooms cool by using shades and have cool baths. NHS advice leaflet.