Be prepared for extreme heat this week

The county has narrowly missed out on a rare red heat warning.

For the first time ever, the Met Office has issued a red weather warning for extreme heat - as temperatures are forecast to reach a minimum of 35C over Monday (July 18) and Tuesday (July 19) next week. 

The red warning for Monday and Tuesday says there is a "very likely" risk of lives being endangered. It adds: "Exceptional, perhaps record-breaking, temperatures are likely on Monday, then again on Tuesday. "Nights are also likely to be exceptionally warm for the UK, especially in urban areas. This is likely to lead to widespread impacts on people and infrastructure. Temperatures are expected to drop away from Wednesday onwards."

Although the county is not covered by the red warning, an amber warning for extreme heat remains in place in Wiltshire.

Public Health are reminding us that the hot weather can be dangerous for the vulnerable such as the older people, young children and those with serious illnesses.

Follow the tips below to ensure you – and those around you –  stay safe during the hot weather:

• Keep out of the sun between 11.00am and 3.00pm.

• Wear at least Factor 15 sunscreen with UVA protection and remember to apply 30 minutes before you go out in the sun.  Reapply every couple of hours.

• Ensure all children wear a hat or head covering.

• Ensure children wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes.

• Ensure everyone has plenty of cold drinks to keep hydrated (again, avoiding caffeine, alcohol or sugary drinks).

• It is advisable to eat cold foods, particularly washed salads and fruit with a high water content.

• Keep the environment cool by keeping windows that are exposed to the sun closed or shaded – electric fans will help too and ensure a flow of air.

• Ensure there are shaded areas in the play areas.

• Don’t leave babies and young children alone especially in cars or rooms which get very warm such as conservatories.

• Monitor children with health conditions.

• Ensure that children’s medication is kept below 25 degrees celsius

• Take extra care when planning outdoor activities such as barbecues, which involve prolonged time spent outdoors as well as posing an additional fire risk.

• Don’t jump into cold water (dams etc) to cool down. Extreme caution should be taken if entering, playing or swimming in open water.

More information / advice can be found by the following link to the heatwave plan https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/heatwave-plan-for-england

In the meantime, if you are worried about what to do, either for yourself or somebody you know who you think might be at risk, telephone NHS 111 or visit your local chemist.