Heatwaves and hot weather
While many of us enjoy sunshine and hot weather, it's important to make sure we do it safely.
A heatwave is a period of unusually hot weather, with temperatures above the normal average for the time of year. The temperature threshold for a heatwaves varies for each county in the UK.
The threshold for a heatwave in Norfolk is 27C. This means that a heatwave is declared when temperatures reach or go above 27C for three days in a row.
Heatwaves affect people, ecosystems, and the economy. They can lead to:
- Health issues - including exhaustion, heatstroke, and death
- Increased frequency and duration of wildfires
- Loss of electricity or gas supply
- Poor water quality or loss of water supply
- Damage to agriculture and food supply
- Reduced productivity for businesses and organisations
- Transport disruption
People who are more at risk
Anyone can be affected by a heatwave, but there are some groups who are more at risk:
- Older people - especially those who are over 75 and female
- People who live in a care home or on their own and may be unable to care for themselves
- People with serious or long-term health conditions - particularly heart and breathing problems
- People who take multiple medications that may make them more likely to be badly affected by hot weather
- Those who may find it hard to keep cool - babies and young children, the bed bound, people with drug or alcohol addictions, and those with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia
- People who are physically active and spend a lot of time outside - like runners, cyclists, and manual labourers
- People who live in top floor flats or homes with restricted or limited windows, or who spend a lot of time in hot places
- People experiencing homelessness
How to prepare for a heatwave
Check the forecast and get weather warnings
Pay attention to weather forecasts and warnings, and make sure you understand what the forecast means.
Check the current forecast and weather warnings
If you have the Met Office weather app, you will get instant notifications of UK weather warnings for your saved locations. You can also get Met Office weather warnings by email.
Have essential items ready
Make sure you have enough medication, food, and a store of water at home in case it becomes difficult to leave the house.
Use our emergency grab bag checklist to help you think about other essential items you need to have in stock.
Let services know you need extra support
If you or a family member are vulnerable, check if you are eligible to sign up to your gas, energy, or water providers' Priority Service Registers.
Signing up to a Priority Service Register (PSR) lets your supplier know that you need extra support. This includes when your supply is interrupted due to hot weather.
Contact your supplier or go to the Priority Services Register website to check if you're eligible.
Look after your health
Long-term illnesses like heart, lung, or kidney problems may get worse in hot weather. If you have a long-term illness, ask your doctor for advice on how to cope during a heatwave.
If you take regular medication, make sure you know how to store it correctly. You may need to store some medicines in the fridge during hot weather.
Stock up on items you might need like sunscreen and rehydration tablets.
Get advice on coping with hot weather from the NHS
Prepare your community
Some people may struggle more than others during hot weather. This could be because they're older, socially isolated, or have a long-term illness.
Talk to your neighbours about creating a community emergency plan. Working together to plan for hot weather will help keep everyone in your community safe.
Prepare your vehicle
High temperatures and long periods of hot weather can affect your car. Know how to make sure your vehicle is safe to drive:
Check your vehicle is safe to drive (GOV.UK)
How to check your vehicle (National Highways)
Make sure your air conditioning works to help keep you cool in hot weather.
Always carry water in your car in case of a breakdown. Keep other summer essentials in your car in case you need them - like sunglasses and sunscreen.
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke
Hot weather increases the risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
To get medical help or advice for heat exhaustion, go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.
If you or someone else have signs of heat stroke, call 999.
What to do in a heatwave
Stay cool and hydrated
A heatwave can severely impact health. Make sure you and your family stay cool and hydrated:
- Stay in the shade if you can - especially between 11am and 3pm when the sun is strongest
- Keep yourself hydrated - you will need to drink more that usual during a heatwave
- Stick to cold foods and avoid alcohol
- Wear light, loose-fitting clothes to help keep yourself cool
NHS advice on water, drinks and staying hydrated
How to cool down in hot weather (GOV.UK)
Tips for keeping people and pets cool in hot weather (Met Office)
Keep babies and children safe
Children and babies are more likely to be affected by hot weather. Their bodies create more heat, they sweat less, and dehydration can affect them quickly.
NHS advice on keeping babies and children safe in hot weather
Stay safe in the water
While it may seem a good idea to take a dip to cool off, swimming in open water can be dangerous in a heatwave. Cold water shock can affect anyone, no matter how fit they are.
Open water safety advice from Swim England
Protect yourself from the sun
Wear sunglasses and avoid looking at the sun to avoid permanent damage. Use sunscreen and wear suitable clothes to protect your skin from the sun.
Links related to Heatwave
Current weather warnings
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