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The weather warning, issued by the Met Office, means that exceptionally high temperatures are possible. The warning is due to come into effect from the start of Sunday (17 July) until 11.59pm on Tuesday night (19 July).
People are being asked to look out for others who are more vulnerable and may be at risk during extremely hot weather, as well as to take steps to help themselves stay well.
Tips for staying safe during hot weather are:
- Stay well hydrated, drink plenty of fluid and take water with you on journeys. Avoid excess alcohol.
- Stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest
- If you need to go out, wear sunscreen with a high SPF, a hat, sunglasses and walk in the shade. Regularly reapply your sunscreen
- Check to see if your bottle of sunscreen is still effective. The longer a bottle of sunscreen is open, the less effective it is
- Avoid exercising during the hottest part of the day
- Take care and follow local safety advice if you go into the water to cool down. Be aware of tide times so you don’t get caught out and remember there can be hidden dangers under the water. Know what to do in an emergency and supervise children at all times. Do not swim under the influence of alcohol
- Stay cool indoors and keep your home cool. Close curtains and windows that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler. Open windows when the air feels cooler outside than inside, for example, at night. Try to get air flowing through your home, if possible (but don’t leave them open if you’re not at home). It may be cooler outside than inside
- Never leave anyone in a closed parked vehicle, especially babies, children and animals
- Stay connected and pay attention to weather forecasts – knowing the forecast can help you plan ahead
- Look out for signs of heatstroke, in yourself and others
Cllr Mike Bell, Deputy Leader of North Somerset Council and Executive Member for Health said: “While most of us enjoy the hot, sunny weather, it can cause real problems for some people, especially older people, people with long-term health conditions and young children. Please check in with your loved ones regularly during this hot spell to make sure they’re OK and they’ve got what they need.”
Matt Lenny, the council’s Director of Public Health and Regulatory Services, added: “It’s really important people follow the advice for coping with hot weather as heat related harm is preventable. Please make sure you know how to spot the signs of heat related harm so that you can help yourself and others if needed.
“If someone in the heat feels dizzy, tired or has intense thirst and a headache, move them to a cool place as soon as possible and encourage them to drink plenty of water. Get them to lie down and raise their feet slightly. You can cool their skin with cool water, a sponge and a fan. Most people will feel better within 30 mins and, if not, you should seek medical help.
“Call 999 if someone develops any signs of heatstroke as this is a medical emergency. Symptoms of heatstroke include loss of consciousness, fitting, confusion or milder symptoms that remain after 30 minutes of rest and rehydration in a cool place.”
Find more information about heat exhaustion and heatstroke on the NHS website at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heat-exhaustion-heatstroke/.