Temperatures are forecast to hit 31C in the UK this week which has sparked health concerns for older and more vulnerable people.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow heat health alerts across most of England as temperatures are expected to rise even higher in parts of central and eastern England during the week.
NHS England said: ‘Older people, especially those over 75 and female, are most vulnerable to heat-related illness, as well as people with serious or long-term illnesses, and very young children. Older people are more susceptible because their bodies are less able to cope with the rising temperatures.’
- Heat-health alert issued as temperatures soar
- Employers must protect nursing staff during heatwave
- RCN advises nurses to stay hydrated as heatwave continues
During the heatwaves of summer 2022, more than 2,800 excess deaths were recorded among over-65s. Heat exhaustion, heatstroke and dehydration were the main causes of mortality due to extreme weather conditions.
To stay safe in the sweltering summer, the UKHSA has advised drinking plenty of water, applying sunscreen regularly, staying in the shade when possible and looking for vulnerable friends and neighbours who are susceptible to the heat.
Age UK recommends older people take particular care not to spend too much time outside during the hottest part of the day – between 11am and 3pm – and keep the blinds down and windows closed to remain cool inside.
However, the UKHSA expects the extreme heat to last only until the end of the month, with heavy showers, thunderstorms and persistent rain possibly returning in the west as the week goes on and cooler conditions are ushered in.