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.
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.