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Many of us look forward to warmer, sunnier weather and spending more time outside.
However, it’s important to remember some people struggle to cope in the heat, particularly older people or those with existing health conditions.
We can all take simple precautions to enjoy the hot weather safely and help those who may be more vulnerable.
The temperature is expected to drop slightly from this weekend but it’s worth remembering the heatwave advice ready for more hot days ahead of us this summer.
As our climate changes, heatwaves are expected to be more frequent and more intense.
The UK Health Security Agency has advice on how to beat the heat, while the NHS has general heatwave health advice on its website and information about heat exhaustion.
Ways to stay well in the heat
- stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm
- anyone who feels unwell due to hot weather, or needs urgent care, can get advice through the NHS 111 service
- stay up-to-date with the weather and UV forecast by following the Met Office Twitter account
- wear light clothing and a hat
- avoid alcohol and hot drinks
- use sunscreen and reapply regularly
- close windows during the day and open them at night
- regularly check room temperatures, especially where people at-risk live and sleep.
Sign up for heat health alerts
Get early notification when adverse temperatures are likely to impact on health and wellbeing by signing up to a weather alert system.
The weather health alerting system, provided by the Met Office and UK Health Security Agency, provides an overview of expected temperatures, communicates any potential risks and gives advice.
The heat health alerts are given a colour, depending on how likely it is the forecast temperatures will be reached and the impact they’d have, ranging from green (no risk to health) to red (significant risk to life).
Sign up to alerts online.
Help water street trees
The on-going lack of rain and high temperatures mean that our trees could always benefit from more watering.
Our tree team and contractors are doing their best to keep our trees watered but we’re backing The Woodland Trust and Arboricultural Association campaign to encourage people to water their local street trees, to help keep them healthy and sustained during the summer months.
According to the Met Office, 2022 was the warmest year on record and the UK’s total rainfall fell persistently below average, creating challenging conditions for trees to thrive.
If you would like to water your local street trees, please use grey water rather than fresh water where possible, including bath, washing up and rainwater.
Also please water early in the morning or in the evening.
Remember wildlife in the heat
Providing a water source in your garden could help wildlife survive and thrive.
During summer months, a water source provides a place for animals to drink and bathe in.
It could also be used as shelter or breeding grounds for amphibians, or a valuable source of minerals for butterflies.
The Wildlife Trust has some top tips on its website as well as other actions you can take to make your garden more wildlife friendly.