We are experiencing our second heatwave of the year this week (22-26 June) with an amber weather warning in place and temperatures reaching up to 39 degrees.
Here are some practical ideas to help you stay safe and comfortable at home, at work, and on the move.
You may want to find out if there is somewhere locally that is cooler that you can visit so councils are publishing lists of venues offering cooler conditions. You can find your local council at www.gov.uk/find-local-council.
Keeping cool at home during hot weather
- Pull curtains or close blinds during the day.
- Open windows (when it is safe to do so) when the air feels cooler outside, for example at night, and try to get air flowing through the home.
- Use electric fans if the air temperature is below 35°C, but do not aim the fan directly at your body as this can lead to dehydration.
- To reduce heat generated in the home, turn off lights and electrical equipment that are not in use and make sure heating is off.
- Consider cooking at cooler times of the day.
- Move to a cooler part of the house, especially for sleeping if possible.
- Drink plenty of water.
- It may be cooler outside in the shade or in a public building (such as places of worship, local libraries, or supermarkets) so consider a visit as a way of cooling down if you are able to safely travel there without putting yourself at more risk from the heat.
Plan around the heat
- One of the best ways to stay comfortable in warmer weather is to plan around the heat, so avoiding the hottest time of day 11am to 3pm.
- Daily routines can feel more tiring and less comfortable in warmer weather such as walking dogs. Where possible, shift more active tasks to earlier or later in the day.
- When travelling, make it a habit to carry water. Planning regular stops in shaded, indoor, or cooler spaces will make the journey much more comfortable.
- If you use a mobility aid, factor an extra 15 to 20 minutes into your travel schedule so you can pace your journey and take breaks without feeling rushed.
Look out for others
- Hot weather can leave some people feeling more tired, less focused, or generally less comfortable than usual, so it’s important to look out for those people.
- Take some time to call or look in on older neighbours, friends or family members who may struggle in the heat - especially if they live alone.
For more advice on health and wellbeing in warm weather, check out GOV.UK’s Beat the heat: keep cool at home checklist.
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