From Sunday to Tuesday, extreme heat warnings have been forecast, with some areas of the country reaching up to 39C.
We must take care of ourselves in these conditions. Please consider the advice below to stay safe:
- Try to keep in the shade throughout the day. The sun is at its strongest between 11:00 – 15:00, meaning that the sun’s negative effects are most prominent at this time.
- During the warmest periods of the day, it is advisable to wear lightweight clothing to make you as comfortable as possible. If you are outside, frequently apply a non-oil-based sunscreen of at least factor 30 to protect yourself from sunburn.
- When outside, wear sunglasses with UV protection and a wide brim hat to shade your face, neck, and ears as they are the parts of your body that are at high risk of sunburn.
- Stay Hydrated. There is a higher risk of becoming dehydrated when the weather is hot. The key to staying hydrated is to drink regularly throughout the day. The healthiest drinks are water, diluted squash, and fruit juice. If you don’t enjoy drinking glasses of water, adding fruit to your drink, such as strawberries, will add more flavour and is a healthy alternative. Ice lollies and Ice cubes are also a good way of keeping hydrated. If you are on a fluid restriction, always follow the guidance of your Healthcare Professional.
- Try to keep your home at a healthy temperature at night, consider thinner bed sheets and ensure you have easy access to drinks throughout the night. Consider sleeping with a window slightly ajar to let fresh air into your home.
- Try not to engage in strenuous physical activities such as housework or prolonged exercise, as you will get breathless far quicker when the temperature is as high as it has been forecast.
- Make sure any medical equipment is kept well ventilated and any vents are clear to help the device stay cool. Keep medical devices out of direct sunlight and in a cool area if possible.
If you or someone close to you start to feel unwell and has symptoms of sleepiness, fatigue, dizziness, dry lips, and are not going to the toilet as often, call 111 for medical advice.
