The Met Office has forecast that in at least the next two to three days there is a 60% chance of temperatures in London being high enough on at least two consecutive days to give rise to significant health risks.
High temperatures can be dangerous, especially for the very young or old, those with chronic disease, such as heart or respiratory problems and those with an infection such as flu. In a severe heatwave you may get dehydrated and your body may overheat. Additionally, a heatwave can cause heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Keeping yourself cool will reduce the risk of illness. If you do start to feel unwell, it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible.
The symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
| Headaches |
| Dizziness |
| Nausea and vomiting |
| Muscle weakness or cramps |
| Pale skin |
| High temperature |
You should move somewhere cool and drink plenty of water or fruit juice. If you can, take a lukewarm shower or sponge yourself down with cool water.
Heatstroke may occur suddenly. Symptoms include:
| Headaches |
| Nausea |
| Intense thirst |
| Sleepiness |
| Hot, red and dry skin |
| A sudden rise in temperature |
| Confusion |
| Aggression |
| Convulsions |
| Loss of consciousness |
There a many simple things you can do to stay well and look after others:
| Listen to your local weather forecast so you know if a heatwave is on the way |
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| Plan your day to keep out of the heat, especially from 11am – 3pm |
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| Try to stay in the shade |
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| Wear a hat and loose cotton clothing |
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| Carry water with you and drink regularly even if you do not feel thirsty |
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| Avoid alcohol, tea and coffee |
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| Try to eat more cold foods especially salads and fruit |
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| Splash your face and the back of your neck with water or use a damp cloth to keep cool |
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| Reduce sunlight coming through the windows of your home using shutters, blinds or curtains |
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| Keep windows shut when it’s cooler inside than outside and open them at night for ventilation |
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| Take cool showers or baths |
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| If anyone you know is likely to be at risk during a heatwave, help them get the advice and support they need |
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| Try to visit older people who live alone daily, to check they are alright |
Further advice is available from the Department of Health website
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Contact your doctor or NHS Direct on:
0845 46 47
if you are worried about your health during a heatwave, especially if you feel unwell or are taking medication.
Remember, heatstroke can kill and can develop very suddenly. If you suspect someone has heatstroke, call 999 immediately |
