Health bosses have urged people in the North West to “take precautions” to stay safe ahead of a spell of “very hot weather”
Brits are urged to “be safe” as temperatures climb to above 25C this week(Image: Getty Images)
Health officials in the North West have warned people to “keep out of the sun” at certain times this week as the UK faces a “mini heatwave”.
The Met Office has said that temperatures will be “markedly higher” than typical of this time of year, with the UK set to see the hottest day of the year so far on Monday (April 28) with highs of 24C or 25C.
The weather agency says the record is likely to be broken again in the following days until temperatures could peak at 28C or 29C on Thursday (May 1) in southern parts of the UK.
Across the North West, temperatures are predicted to reach 20C today, with highs of 25C around parts of Greater Manchester by Wednesday and Thursday.
UV and pollen levels will also be high this week, the Met Office warns(Image: PA)
Dr Michael Gregory, the North West’s medical director for NHS England, has urged people to “take precautions” to stay safe as temperatures soar to “avoid pressure” on health services.
Brits have been advised to “keep out of the sun” during its peak hours, between 11am and 3pm, to avoid health risks.
He said: “We’re forecasted some very hot weather over the next few days and would like people to not only enjoy the sun, but also be safe by taking precautions to keep well and avoid putting pressure on services.
“We advise people to keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm. If you are going to do a physical activity, for example exercise or walking the dog, plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler such as the morning or evening.”
Dr Gregory also advised Brits to drink plenty of fluids, apply sunscreen and limit alcohol intake.
Health bosses advise people to wear sunscreen and cover up in high UV levels this week(Image: Science Photo Library RF)
He added: “Hot weather can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, lung problems and other diseases. Older people, babies and young children are more likely to be unwell from hot weather because their bodies are less able to regulate temperature. People with underlying medical conditions can also be vulnerable to the effects of hot weather.”
“You should continue taking all of your prescribed medicines unless advised not to by a medical professional.
“If you have any health concerns, please use NHS111 online as your first point of contact for non-emergency medical advice. Some medications need to be stored below 25C or in the fridge, following the storage instructions on the packaging.”
Full list of those at risk of becoming unwell in hot weather
Warm weather can pose significant health risks. The NHS says more people than usual get seriously ill or die during heatwaves. The Met Office says the UK is unlikely to see an official heatwave this week, but temperatures will be “close” to the lower heatwave “threshold”.
Met Office temperature maps show highs of 27C in London at 4pm on Thursday (May 1)(Image: The Met Office)
The main risks posed by hot weather are dehydration, overheating, as well as heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
The NHS warns that hot weather can pose significant health risks to vulnerable people. These include:
- Older people aged 65 years and over
- Babies and young children aged 5 years and under
- People with underlying health conditions particularly heart problems, breathing problems, dementia, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease, or mobility problems
- People on certain medications
- People with serious mental health problems
- People who are already ill and dehydrated (from diarrhoea and vomiting, for example)
- People who experience alcohol or drug dependence
- Runners, cyclists and walkers, or physically active people who spend a lot of time outside
- People who work in jobs that require manual labour or extensive time outside
- People experiencing homelessness
- People who live alone and may be unable to care for themselves