The government has issued a set of guidelines for people to keep safe in the sun, as temperatures are set to soar. It comes as the UK Health Security Agency sent out a level four health warning, which is reached "when a heatwave is so severe and prolonged that its effects extend outside the health and social care system."
Level four health warnings could have potentially devastating impacts on those who are fit and healthy, not just those in traditionally high-risk or vulnerable groups. The government has declared the heatwave a 'national emergency'.
This is the first time that a level four warning has been issued since the government's Heatwave Plan for England was first introduced, back in 2004. And the red weather warning for extreme heat, issued by the Met Office, is also the first of its kind in England, the Mirror reports.
The weather experts have predicted that "population-wide adverse health effects [are to be] experienced", which means that everyone must take care to stay safe and comfortable over the weekend and into next week. The government have released 11 new guidance points, which is aimed at keeping people safe.
The government have warned that the heatwave could have potential effects on transport systems, food, water, energy supplies and businesses. UKHSA will continue to monitor any heat-related illness and work closely with the Met Office, the NHS and other government departments to assess the impacts of this hot weather.
Government advice for staying safe in the heat:
- Look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated – older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk.
- Stay cool indoors by closing curtains on rooms that face the sun – and remember that it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
- Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol.
- Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.
- Check that fridges, freezers and fans are working properly.
- Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest.
- Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat.
- Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day.
- Make sure you take water with you if you are travelling.
- Take care and make sure to follow local safety advice if you are going into the water to cool down.
- Check medicines can be stored according to the instructions on the packaging.
The temperatures that much of the country will be experiencing next week are "record temperatures", according to Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at the UK Health Security Agency. Dr Sousa added: "said: "It’s important we all know how to stay well in hot weather. Check up on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours to make sure they stay hydrated, keep cool and know how to keep their homes cool."
Meteorologists gave an 80 percent chance of the mercury topping the UK's record temperature of 38.7°C, set in Cambridge in 2019. The incoming heatwave is set to peak in many parts of the country on Tuesday, though Sheffield will be hottest on Monday - with temperatures of a staggering 41°C forecast.
However, despite the tremendous heat, the government have not officially advised schools to close, though they have issued separate guidance for teachers on keeping kids cool and comfortable. Those working with children are urged to keep an eye on their behaviour, as the signs of heat stress could be an early indicator of heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
And people are now being warned to resist the urge to get out and enjoy the sun, as this is "not that sort of weather", according to the Met Offiice. Far from being encouraged to take to the beaches and parks, people are being told that it is much safer to stay indoors if it is cool, or remain in a shady spot outside.
Professor Penny Endersby, Chief Executive at the Met Office, said: "This is the first time we have issued a Red National Severe Weather warning for Extreme Heat and the first time 40°C has been forecast in the UK. In this country we’re used to treating a hot spell as a chance to go and play in in the sun. This is not that sort of weather.
"We have seen when climate change has driven such unprecedented severe weather events around the world that it can be difficult for to make the best decisions because noting in our life experiences has led us to know what to expect."
And anyone due to travel next week, either on the roads or by rail, may find their journeys disrupted. Jake Kelly, of Network Rail, warned that journeys will take "significantly longer and delays are likely as speed restrictions are introduced to keep passengers and railway staff safe", urging people to travel only if absolutely necessary on Monday and Tuesday.
Motorists have been advised to try to make their journeys outside of the hottest periods of the day, particularly if they have older cars. Sean Sidley, AA patrol of the year, said: "There are reports of road gritters being out this weekend to reduce the chances of our roads melting.
"If it does get sticky on the roads there's nothing worse than being stuck in a jam with the mercury rising, so make sure you carry plenty of water - at least a litre per person - and sufficient fuel, or if you're driving an electric vehicle (EV) - make sure you have plenty of charge so you can use the air-conditioning when needed."
Downing Street said that that Cobra met on Thursday amid the heatwave and discussions with sectors, including the NHS, will "continue to work closely with all of those sectors over today, through the weekend and into early next week".
Tim Doran, from the RNLI Water Safety Team said the service was anticipating a "busy weekend" for its lifeboat crews and lifeguards. He said: "If you are planning on going to the beach, we would encourage you to visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags."
