The people most at risk during the heatwave have been identified as people have been advised on the best thing to do to keep cool over the coming days. The extreme heat will take full effect on Monday and Tuesday, with new records expected to be set over both days. The highest temperature we've experienced is 35.2°C, which was set in Hawarden in August 1990. But that is expected to be left in the dust, as weatherman Derek Brockway has suggested it is expected to reach 36°C tomorrow and 37°C the day after. You can read more about that by clicking here.
And it has been established that elderly people and those with long-term health conditions will find themselves most vulnerable to cope during the hot spell. These include those with heart disease and diabetes, which makes those with it lose body water more quickly. It will also be difficult for those who have brain diseases like dementia, which can leave people unaware of the heat or unable to do anything about it. The less mobile, children, homeless and those living in top floor flats will also endure higher temperatures.
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The BBC reports how diuretics, commonly known as water pills, which are used to increase the amount of water the body expels, increase the dangers of dehydration and imbalances in key minerals in the body. And anti-hypertensives, which lower blood pressure could cause dangerous drops in blood pressure. Epilepsy and Parkinson's Disease drugs can also block sweating and make it harder for the body to keep cool.
Public Health Wales has advised people to try and stay indoors, especially between midday and 3pm, and to avoid strenuous outdoor activities such as sport, DIY or gardening. You should use sunscreens or sun blocks to help prevent sunburn, and cover up with a t-shirt or other loose-fitting clothes, along with a hat to shade your head and sunglasses to protect your eyes.
To cool down, it says you should drink plenty of water, at least eight glasses a day, and avoid alcohol, tea or coffee as they can make you dehydrated. You should take a cool bath or shower, or splash your face with cold water to cool down. To keep your environment cool, you should turn off non-essential lights and electrical equipment as they generate heat. You should keep indoor plants and bowls of water in the house, as evaporation helps cool the air, and if possible, move into a cooler room, especially for sleeping. Electric fans may provide some relief, but only use if necessary, Public Health Wales adds, whilst advising to keep rooms shaded and cool by closing blinds and curtains and opening windows.
It advises to keep an eye on isolated, elderly, ill or very young people and make sure they are able to keep cool, and to ensure that babies, children or elderly people are not left alone in stationary cars. It advises to check on elderly or sick neighbours, family or friends every day if possible and be alert and call a doctor or social services if someone is feeling unwell or further help is needed.
If you or others feel unwell, try to get help if you feel dizzy, weak, anxious or have intense thirst and headache. Move to a cool place as soon as possible and measure your body temperature, and drink some water or fruit juice to rehydrate. You should rest immediately in a cool place if you have painful muscular spasms (particularly in the legs, arms or stomach, in many cases after sustained exercise during very hot weather), and drink oral rehydration solutions containing electrolytes. Medical attention is needed if heat cramps last more than one hour, and you should consult your doctor if you feel unusual symptoms or if symptoms persist.
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