Public Health England has issued a warning as weather forecasts show a very warm week for much of the country with hot days and warm nights.
Temperatures are likely to rise on Tuesday 23 July through to Thursday 25 July 2019, which may leave older people, young children and those with long-term conditions, including heart and lung diseases, struggling to adapt to the heat. According to some predictions, temperatures will get as high as 37C, a July record.
‘Much of the advice on beating the heat is common sense and for many people spells of warmer weather are something they very much enjoy. However, for some people, such as older people, those with underlying health conditions and young children,the summer heat can bring real health risks. That’s why we’re urging everyone to keep an eye on those you know who may be at risk this summer,’ said Owen Landeg, Principal Environmental Public Health Scientist at Public Health England.
‘If you’re able, ask if your friends, family or neighbours need any support. Also take water with you when travelling and keep up to date with weather forecasts. It’s also worth remembering to think about practical steps to keep homes cool during the day as this can aid sleeping at night and give the body time to recover from the heat.’
Public Health England advises patients to drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol, try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, and avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day.
‘The UK will experience another pulse of high temperatures this week, with the possibility of records being broken for not only July but also all-time records. The weather setup is broadly similar to the pattern that brought high temperatures to much of continental Europe at the end of June,’ said Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, Paul Gundersen.
‘As well as high temperatures during the day, overnight temperatures will also be notably warm and could also break records. Conditions will feel much more comfortable for all by the time we get to Friday.’