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Met Office heat health alert

Over the past few days, parts of England have seen temperatures climb to highs of around 31 degrees Celsius by day, but a key factor has been the night-time temperatures. Lows in some areas have not fallen below 18 degrees Celsius.

This has triggered heatwave plan alert level three. This means that high temperatures have been reached and sustained in one or more regions, with two consecutive very warm nights, a hot intervening day and a forecast of even higher temperatures.

These hot conditions will persist until Friday, with lower temperatures moving in by the weekend. English regions particularly affected by the heatwave and which have reached criteria for level three include London and the South East.

Head of Health Forecasting at the Met Office, Wayne Elliott said: "There are four key things to try and remember during a heatwave. If possible, stay out of the heat during the middle part of the day; cool yourself down; keep your environment cool; and look out for others, especially older people, those living alone and babies and young children."

• Met Office Heat Watch Opens new window

• Latest UK weather forecast Opens new window

Coping during a heatwave

The Department of Health is reminding people to remain aware of the risks faced by elderly friends and relatives during a heatwave.

Yvonne Doyle, Regional Director of Public Health in the South East, said: "Everyone’s health can be affected by the heat, with greater risks of dehydration, sunburn, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Those most at risk are the very young and the very old, and people who already have health conditions, especially heart and respiratory problems – the heat can make their symptoms worse."

Top tips for coping during a heatwave include:

• check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves
• shut and shade windows when it is hotter outside than inside and open them for ventilation when it is cooler outside
• people with serious health problems (for example heart conditions) should avoid going out in the heat, especially between 11.00 am and 3.00 pm
• drink cold drinks like water or fruit juice regularly and avoid tea, coffee and alcohol
• stay tuned to the weather forecast and plan ahead with supplies
• keep plenty of water to hand
• stay in the shade where possible
• identify the coolest room in the house, so you can go there to keep cool or sleep

People are advised to contact their local environmental health officer if they have concerns for themselves or a vulnerable friend, neighbour or relative. Environmental health practitioners at local authorities can visit to inspect the condition of a home for hazards to health, including excess heat.

• NHS Choices heatwave advice Opens new window

• NHS Choices information on heat exhaustion and heatstroke Opens new window

• Contact your local council

Travelling in hot weather

The Highways Agency is advising drivers to take regular breaks and to ensure they have drinking water with them while travelling.

Road users are encouraged to plan their journeys before they set off, and to check the latest live traffic information for details of roadworks, road closures, lane restrictions, blockages and other incidents.

• Live travel news Opens new window

Tube passengers in London are advised to carry water with them during hot weather, and not to board a train if they feel unwell.

Last week Transport for London was testing London's first air-conditioned tube trains. The first new train is not due to enter service until next summer on the Metropolitan line, but they will also eventually be rolled out on the Circle, District and Hammersmith & City lines.

• Transport for London - air-conditioned trains Opens new window

Workplace and school temperatures

Employers should keep temperatures at a comfortable level, but there's no maximum limit. They should take all reasonable steps to achieve a reasonably comfortable temperature in indoor workplaces. Outdoor workers should take care to protect themselves from the sun.

• Employers' health and safety responsibilities

• Workplace temperatures - Health and Safety Executive Opens new window

• Outdoor working - Health and Safety Executive Opens new window

The advice to schools from the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) is that heat stress and dehydration can be serious problems at temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius, so that should be regarded as the maximum reasonable temperature for prolonged periods of time in school classrooms. However more sensitive children may experience problems at much lower temperatures. Children should be given plenty of cool water to drink.

• Temperature in classrooms - Department for Children, Schools and Families Opens new window

Sun sense

There are a few things you can do to protect yourself from the sun:

• stay in the shade between 11.00 am and 3.00 pm when the sun is at its peak
• use sun lotion of at least factor 15 that protects you against UVA and UVB rays
• wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your head and eyes

You can get advice on protecting your skin during hot weather from the Cancer Research UK SunSmart website.

• Smart sunbathing

• SunSmart - staying safe in the sun and preventing skin cancer Opens new window

More useful links

• Water: using less at home

• Water: using less in the garden

• Parks and green spaces

• Water safety information from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents Opens new window