Red weather warning issued by Met Office
The Met Office has issued a Red weather warning for the North West of England for extreme heat. Exceptionally high temperatures are specifically expected between Sunday 17 July and Tuesday 19 July. The Red weather warning is currently in place until 11.59pm, Tuesday 19 July and the heat is expected to continue for several more days.
Weather like this is something many people look forward to and go out and enjoy. But it’s worth remembering that sunny spells can pose health risks for some people. It’s important to protect yourself and others from too much sun or heat, and to think of those, such as young children, older people, and those with underlying health conditions who may feel the heat more acutely than others. If you’re able, ask if your friends, family or neighbours need any support.
The top ways for staying safe when the heat arrives are to:
- 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.
- Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
- Use cool spaces if going outdoors.
- Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol.
- Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children, vulnerable adults, or animals.
- Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest.
- If you have to go outside in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Avoid physical exertion during the hottest parts of the day.
- Make sure you take water with you if you are travelling.
- During warm weather, going for a swim can provide much welcomed relief. If you are going into open water to cool-down, take care and follow local safety advice.
For more advice and information, click on the accordion tabs below.
Beat the heat
Keep in touch
- Look after yourself, older people and the young
- Listen to the weather forecast and the news
- Plan ahead to avoid the heat
Keep well
- Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
- Dress appropriately for the weather
- Slow down when it is hot
Find somewhere cool
- Know how to keep your home cool
- Go indoors or outdoors, whichever feels cooler
- Cars get hot, avoid closed spaces
Watch out
- Be on the lookout for signs of heat related illness
- Cool your skin with water, slow down and drink water
- Stay safe when swimming
- Get help. Call NHS 111 or in an emergency 999
For more information, visit the NHS Heatwave page.
Coping in the heatwave
- Avoid the heat: Stay out of the sun and don't go out between 11am and 3pm.
- Keep rooms cool by closing the shades or curtains.
- Have cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water.
- Drink cold drinks regularly, such as water. Avoid too much alcohol, drinks high in sugar and drinks that have caffeine in them, like tea, coffee and cola.
- Plan ahead to make sure you have enough food, water and any medications you need.
- Find the coolest room in the house so you know where to go to keep cool.
- Wear loose, cool clothing, and a hat and sunglasses if you go outdoors.
- Check up on friends, family and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves.
All visitors to CWP, where a patient could be - are asked to wear a mask. We appreciate wearing a mask during the hot weather can be uncomfortable. We encourage visitors to CWP sites to keep well hydrated.
Please note, this measure is designed to help mitigate against the spread of COVID by visitors to areas, who due to the change in government processes are no longer able to undertake lateral flow or PCR testing before embarking on a visit to an inpatient and/or community outpatient area.
