Amber heat warning intensified in the UK, as today is currently the warmest day recorded this year.
Sizzling Hot Day in the UK, Danger in the Summer Heat
It's the hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures soaring beyond 32°C and it's only going to get hotter!
The Met Office issued a health warning, and it's not just about sweating bullets and melting ice creams. This heatwave carries a dangerous potential, especially for older people and those with existing health problems.
It's hot enough to fry an egg on the pavement, ideal for an al fresco breakfast, but not so great if you've got furry friends burning their paws on the tarmac. Barbecues may sound fun, but the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warns that this heat could be harmful - and it's only heating up.
With temperatures rising in hospitals and care homes, there's a potential for them to surpass safe levels. Dr Agostinho Sousa from the UKHSA advises checking on friends, family, or neighbors who are more vulnerable to the heatwave and ensuring they're following the appropriate advice.
Surviving Scorching Temperatures
- Keep your rooms shady: Close windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
- Dress smart: Choose suitable clothing and seek shade when going outside
- Sunscreen isn't just for the beach: Apply sunscreen regularly, even during day-to-day activities
- Avoid peak hours: Steer clear of the sun between 11am and 3pm, as those are the hottest hours of the day
- Hydration matters: Plan outdoor activities for cooler times of day, like mornings and evenings, and consider downing cold drinks like milk for better hydration (yes, you heard that right!)
London Fire Brigade urges caution against the temptation of cooling off in rivers and lakes, warning about potential dangers such as strong currents, mud, capsized boats, and a rise in incidents this year.
To stay in the loop on the latest events, sign up for Metro's News Updates or Breaking News alerts. And remember, the heatwave's severity underscores the importance of looking after those most vulnerable to its risks.
Stay safe, stay cool, and check on your loved ones!
Emergency Services Preparedness
The Met Office's conditions for declaring a heatwave involve a peak temperature exceeding a certain level for at least three consecutive days, with thresholds varying according to location. Expect temperatures in London and its surrounding areas to reach upwards of 30°C in the coming days.
The severity of this heatwave might exceed previous years due to its early onset, increased human-induced warming, and an aging population. If you or someone you know is experiencing heat-induced illnesses, reach out to healthcare services for help.
Sources:
- Department of Health and Social Care, Heatwaves: Preparing for, and responding to, extreme heat events, https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/preparing-for-and-responding-to-heatwaves/heatwaves-preparing-for-and-responding-to-extreme-heat-events
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Clinical Operational Research (London), Assessing the impacts of climate change on heatwave-related health risks: evidence base and future research directions, https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1027352418789372
- Health and Safety Executive, Working in extreme heat, https://www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/warning-signs/index.htm
- Public Health England, Heatwave Plan for England, https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/heatwaves-plan-for-england
- Mental healthcare services might also need to cater to those struggling with irritability, insomnia, or anxiety caused by the heatwave or climate-related concerns.
- Nutritionists recommend including fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants to combat oxidative stress caused by the excessive heat, as part of a healthy and well-balanced diet.
- The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) calls attention to the link between the recent heatwave and climate change, urging urgent measures to reduce carbon emissions for environmental-science and weather-forecasting improvement.
- Fitness enthusiasts should take precautions like practicing yoga indoors or swimming in cooler hours to stay active and avoid heatstroke during the hot spell.
- Healthy climate and healthy bodies go hand in hand - adopting eco-friendly lifestyle choices like recycling, reducing energy usage, and supporting renewable energy can help combat climate-change and improve overall wellbeing.
