The Met Office has issued it’s first ever red weather warning for Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 July in parts of England, including Warwickshire.
The red weather warning means that temperatures are set to be exceptionally hot leading to widespread impact on people and infrastructure.
According to the Met Office the red warning means:
- Population-wide adverse health effects, not limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat, leading to serious illness or danger to life
- Substantial changes in working practices and daily routines will be needed
- A high risk of failure of heat-sensitive equipment, potentially leading to localised loss of power and other essential services
- More people visiting coastal areas, lakes and rivers, leading to an increased risk of water safety incidents
- Delays on roads and road closures, along with delays and cancellations to rail and air travel.
Public Health at Warwickshire County Council wish to issue important health advice ahead of the heat conditions expected for Warwickshire over the coming weekend and early next week.
Warwickshire County Councillor Margaret Bell, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health, said:
“Throughout hot spells susceptible groups, such as older people, the very young and people with long term conditions, feel the severe effects of heat more than others and it’s long been known that death rates increase in heat waves.
“The greatest advice is to relax, stay cool, drink lots of cold liquids and, if you can, keep an eye on individuals you know to be at risk.
“It is important to recognise the health dangers that extreme heat can bring and know the signs of heat-related illnesses to try and avert these.
“Be a good neighbour, check in on friends, family and neighbours who may be vulnerable to the heat and make certain you protect yourself by taking all the required actions.”
Public Health Warwickshire has issued the following guidance to try and keep people as safe and well as possible:
- Look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated. Older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk.
- If you live alone, ask a relative or friend to phone to check that you are not having difficulties during periods of extreme heat.
- Stay cool indoors: Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
- If going outdoors, use cool spaces considerately.
- Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol.
- Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.
- Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest.
- Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat.
- Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day.
- Make sure you take water with you, if you are travelling.
- Check the latest weather forecast and temperature warnings
- During warm weather going for a swim can provide much welcomed relief, take care and follow local safety advice, if you are going into open water to cool down.
Find out more about the Met Office’s Heat Warning.
Read the Met Office news release "Extreme heat warning issued".