Keep cool and carry on, that is the message from Public Health England as a prolonged spell of high temperatures is forecast. Temperatures across Gloucestershire could rise to up to 30C today and tomorrow.
A Level 3 heatwave alert means people should be aware of the actions to protect themselves from the possible health effects of hot weather, and social and healthcare services are advised to take specific actions that target high-risk groups. The sick, the very young and the elderly are being told to stay out of the sun.
A Level 3 is triggered when the Met Office confirms there is a 90% chance of heatwave conditions, when temperatures are high enough over threshold levels to have a significant effect on health on at least 2 consecutive days.
A Met Office spokesman said: “Although temperatures are expected to dip slightly on Thursday, we are confident they will rise again from the South on Friday and Saturday. It looks like warm and humid spells of weather could continue into next week with temperatures remaining above average in places throughout this period.”
Following this latest Met Office alert, Public Health England (PHE) is continuing to remind people to be aware of the health risks of hot weather.
Top ways for staying safe in the heat:
- look out for others especially vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children and babies and those with serious illnesses
- never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
- try to keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm
- if you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat
- avoid physical exertion
- wear light, loose fitting cotton clothes
- drink plenty of cold drinks
- if you have a health problem, keep medicines below 25 °C or in the refrigerator