Hot weather

Hot weather can be enjoyable, but it also brings health risks. Older people, young children, and those with long-term health conditions are especially at risk. With some preparation, you can help keep yourself, your family, and your neighbours safe and well.

Stay informed by visiting the Met Office website for the heat-health watch.

Why heat safety matters

Extreme heat can cause:

  • dehydration
  • heat exhaustion
  • heatstroke
  • breathing difficulties, especially for people with asthma or lung conditions

Heat exhaustion does not usually need emergency medical help if you can cool down within 30 minutes. If it develops into heatstroke, it must be treated as an emergency.

The NHS website provides advice on recognising and treating heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Before hot weather

  • Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and what to do if they happen
  • Keep your home cool and close curtains or blinds during the day, and consider external shading or planting greenery near sunny windows
  • Check your utilities and contact your water and energy suppliers to see if you can join the Priority Services Register for extra support during extreme weather
  • Prepare your vehicle and check tyres, fluid levels, and air conditioning. Keep bottled water in the car in case of delays or breakdowns.
  • Stock up on essentials such as water, light snacks, and cooling items (fans, damp cloths, frozen water bottles)
  • Know where your nearest Welcome Space can be found. A Welcome Space is a council or community venue open for residents to visit or spend time, meet other people, feel safe and find shade in hot weather.
  • Look out for neighbours, especially people living alone or those who may find it harder to stay cool

During hot weather

While many people enjoy warm summer weather, high temperatures can cause some people to become unwell through overheating, dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke.

  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and limiting alcohol intake
  • Dress for the heat by wearing light, loose-fitting clothes, and using a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
  • Avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm, and stay indoors or in the shade during the hottest part of the day
  • Use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and reapply every two hours, especially if you are sweating or swimming
  • Keep cool by taking cool showers or baths, using a damp cloth on your neck and wrists, or sitting near a fan
  • Plan activities carefully, and exercise or walk dogs early in the morning or later in the evening when it is cooler
  • Stay updated by checking the forecast and looking out for heat and air quality alerts on the Met Office website or our social media channels
  • Check on family, friends, and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell. If you are at risk, ask them to do the same for you.
  • Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and what to do if you or someone else has them
  • Seek advice if you are worried about your health. Call NHS 111, or speak to your GP or pharmacist.
  • Visit a Welcome Space, which is a council or community venue open for residents to visit or spend time, meet other people, feel safe and find shade in hot weather

Keep your home cool

Homes can overheat and become uncomfortable during warm weather, particularly at night. You can:

  • close blinds and curtains on windows exposed to direct sunlight
  • close external shutters or shades if you have them
  • move to a cooler part of the house, especially for sleeping
  • open windows (if it is safe to do so) when the air outside feels cooler, for example at night, and create airflow through your home
  • use electric fans if the air temperature is below 35°C, but avoid aiming the fan directly at your body as this can lead to dehydration
  • check that heating is turned off
  • turn off lights and electrical equipment that are not in use
  • go outside if it feels cooler in the shade than indoors

After hot weather

  • Check on neighbours and relatives to make sure they are safe and well
  • Report any issues with water or power to your landlord or utility provider
  • Restock your supplies so you are ready for the next hot spell

Keeping pets safe

  • Never leave pets in cars, even for a short time
  • Provide shade and water at all times
  • Avoid walking dogs when it is hotter than 24°C
  • Test the pavement and if it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for paws
  • Look out for signs of heatstroke in pets such as heavy panting, drooling, red gums, vomiting, or lethargy
  • Visit the RSPCA website for advice

Stay prepared and informed

For further guidance, read Beat the heat: staying safe in hot weather.

See how you can build personal resilience before an emergency, including creating a grab bag and knowing who to contact, on our preparing yourself and others for an emergency page.

Remember, if you need urgent support, help is always available. Call 999 in an emergency or 101 for non-urgent situations.

For trusted updates and local information during an emergency, visit our staying informed in an emergency page.

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