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BEAT THE HEAT

Government issues heatwave advice to all Brits ahead of sweltering temperatures

A HEATWAVE warning has been issued by the Government ahead of a red weather warning next week.

The UK Health and Security Agency followed the Met Office in ordering a red extreme “danger to life” alert for the UK.

The Government has issued a nationwide Level 4 alert amid the heatwave
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The Government has issued a nationwide Level 4 alert amid the heatwaveCredit: BNPS
Temperatures will peak on Tuesday
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Temperatures will peak on Tuesday
The central red bubble is where the Met Office Red warning will be on Tuesday
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The central red bubble is where the Met Office Red warning will be on TuesdayCredit: MET Office

UKHSA has increased its heat health warning from level three to level four across the whole of England – a “national emergency”.

The Level 4 alert has been issued for the first time since the Heatwave Plan for England was introduced in 2004.

Level four is reached “when a heatwave is so severe and/or prolonged that its effects extend outside the health and social care system

“At this level, illness and death may occur among the fit and healthy, and not just in high-risk groups,” it said.

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Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “It’s important we all know how to stay well in hot weather. 

“Check up on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours to make sure they stay hydrated, keep cool and know how to keep their homes cool.”

Meanwhile, the Met Office red warning will be in place for Monday and Tuesday, when temperatures will peak, after a weekend in the high 30s.

It covers an area from London up to Manchester, and up to the Vale of York.

Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said this was a “very serious situation”.

Professor Penny Endersby, Chief Executive at the Met Office, said: “In this country we’re used to treating a hot spell as a chance to go and play in in the sun. This is not that sort of weather.”

The UKHSA reminded people to drink plenty of water and avoid excessive alcohol drinking.

It said never to leave anyone in a car, avoid exercise on the hottest parts of the day, and keep out the sun between 11am and 3pm.

Heat stroke can come on fast if someone doesn’t take care to avoid dehydration, and extremely hot temperatures.

The symptoms include dizziness, feeling sick, a high temperature, crams and pale, clammy skin.

If you or someone else suffers heat stroke, cool down inside, lying down with the feet slightly raised, and by drinking plenty of water.

If a person still feels unwell after 30 minutes, call 999. Shortness of breath, a temperature above 40C and no longer sweating also warrant an emergency call. 

People soak up the sun and enjoy the heat on the beach in Bournemouth, Dorset
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People soak up the sun and enjoy the heat on the beach in Bournemouth, DorsetCredit: BNPS
Partially suntanned rowers enjoy the sunny weather on the river Thames near Hammersmith on Friday
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Partially suntanned rowers enjoy the sunny weather on the river Thames near Hammersmith on FridayCredit: AP
People sweltering on the London Underground this week
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People sweltering on the London Underground this weekCredit: LNP

Tips for staying safe in the heatwave

The UK Health and Security Agency gave these following tips:

  • Look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated – older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk
  • Stay cool indoors by closing curtains on rooms that face the sun – and remember that it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
  • Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
  • Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
  • Check that fridges, freezers and fans are working properly
  • Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest
  • Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat
  • Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day
  • Make sure you take water with you if you are travelling
  • Take care and make sure to if you are going into the water to cool down
  • Check medicines can be stored according to the instructions on the packaging
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