Heatwave and hot weather

Coping with hot weather

Extreme weather can affect everyone. However, older people and those with existing health conditions can be especially vulnerable to suffering adverse effects on their health during hot weather.

If you are in any doubt about any health problems you have, or you feel very unwell, always contact your GP. You can also ring NHS Direct (0845 46 47). They can take the details of your symptoms and advise on what to do. It is a good idea to inform friends, family or a neighbour if you are feeling unwell.

Extreme hot weather can result in heatstroke, heat exhaustion and dehydration.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion can include:

• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle weakness or cramps
• Pale skin
• High temperature

Symptoms of dehydration include:

• Thirst
• Headaches
• Reduced ability to think clearly
• Can lead to urine infections and confusion

Below are several advisory steps to help keep you cool and well in very hot weather:

• Avoid going out from 11am-3pm which is the hottest part of the day
• If you need to leave the house make sure you wear a sun hat to protect your face and head. Apply a good sun cream to any exposed parts of your body or keep them lightly covered to avoid sun burn.
• Make sure you take some water with you.
• Keep your curtains closed to stop sun shining directly into your house
• Cool down with a cool shower or bath
• Aim to drink two litres of water a day, and avoid caffeinated drinks like tea and coffee
• Consider wearing sunglasses to reduce headaches and sun glare.
• Purchasing a good quality electric fan and making sure this is positioned in a safe place with no trailing wires.
• Have security locks fitted to windows so that you can leave them open safely and always close and lock them before leaving home

Further advice

Further advice is available on the Department of Health website or NHS Direct website and in the leaflet ‘Heatwave; A guide to looking after yourself and others during hot weather(pdf, 320KB)’.