A neurologist has issued advice to Brits ahead of a “mini heatwave” this week to help protect brain health
A neurologist has shared how hot weather affects the brain as temperatures soar across the UK(Image: PA)
The sun is beaming across the UK ahead of a “mini heatwave” set to bring the hottest days of the year so far.
Health officials in the North West have warned people to “keep out of the sun” at certain times of the day this week.
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 also been advised to avoid the sun during its peak hours, between 11am and 3pm, to avoid health risks.
The Met Office has said that temperatures will be “markedly higher” than typical of this time of year, where parts of the UK could see highs of 28C or 29C on Thursday (May 1) this week.
The weather agency wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Where is the heat coming from this week?
“A broad area of high pressure is currently positioned over the UK, leading to sinking air that warms as it descends. Combined with prolonged sunshine, this is expected to push temperatures up to 29C in southern areas by Thursday.”
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The Met Office says temperatures are unlikely to reach the minimum threshold for an official heatwave this week, but NHS England has described the spell of “very hot weather” as a “mini heatwave”.
According to Dr Steven Allder, a consultant neurologist at Re:Cognition Health, heat can “impair cognitive performance”, impacting attention, memory, and decision making.
Dr Allder said: “When the body overheats, resources are diverted from the brain to regulate core temperature, which can slow processing speed and reduce mental clarity.
“People may find it harder to concentrate, solve problems or retain information. This is especially noticeable during prolonged heat exposure or dehydration, which further affects neural efficiency.”
Dr Allder even warns that there is some evidence to suggest that hotter temperatures can drive “emotional instability”.
Hot weather can trigger a number of symptoms due to its effects on brain function(Image: PA)
“Elevated heat levels have been associated with increased irritability, frustration and even aggression,” he explained.
“This may be due to disrupted sleep, discomfort, or heightened stress responses. The brain’s emotional regulation centres, particularly the amygdala, may become more reactive in extreme heat.”
Many people also experience mental fatigue during spells of hot weather, which Dr Allder says is common when hydration, rest and cooling are “inadequate”.
He added: “When the body is trying to cool itself, more energy is used for thermoregulation, leaving fewer resources available for cognitive functioning.
“This can result in feelings of tiredness, mental sluggishness and reduced alertness. Tasks that require concentration or decision-making become more difficult and motivation may drop.”
How to protect brain health in hot weather
According to Dr Allder, people with neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), epilepsy and migraines, are more vulnerable to health problems in hot weather.
“In MS, even small increases in temperature can worsen fatigue and impair nerve conduction,” Dr Allder explained. “For those with epilepsy, heat and dehydration may lower seizure thresholds. Migraines can be triggered or intensified by high temperatures and changes in atmospheric pressure.
“These individuals need to take particular care in hot weather, as their conditions make it harder for the nervous system to tolerate thermal stress.”
Brits are urged to stay hydrated as temperatures climb this week(Image: PA)
To help protect brain health during the upcoming “mini heatwave”, Dr Allder says it is “essential” to stay hydrated, as even mild dehydration can impact our brain function.
He added: “Limiting time outdoors during peak heat hours, wearing light clothing and using fans or air conditioning can help maintain a safe body temperature.
“Eating light meals, taking regular rest breaks and ensuring good sleep hygiene are also beneficial. Those with neurological conditions should also take extra precautions and may benefit from personalised advice from their healthcare providers.”