What is a Heatwave? Heatwaves are extreme weather events and, because of climate change, they are becoming more common. In 2022 temperatures hit 40 degrees for the first time in the UK. In the coming decades, it is predicted periods of hot weather and heatwaves will be longer and more extreme. Extreme heat can be dangerous. It particularly affects elderly people, babies and children, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions People who live in urban areas and on the top floors of buildings can be especially vulnerable. Find out how to prepare for a heatwave in the UK by exploring tips for keeping cool, learning first aid skills, and making sure you are prepared for when temperatures increase. Download this hot weather checklist

“Heatwave” is often used to describe a period of extended hot weather however, this isn’t always correct. A heatwave is a meteorological definition and is officially declared when certain thresholds are met. The Met Office defines a heatwave as “an extended period of hot weather relative to the expected conditions of the area at that time of year, which may be accompanied by high humidity.” In the UK, a heatwave is declared when the daily temperature of a certain location meets or exceeds the heatwave temperate threshold for at least three days. There are four heatwave thresholds in the UK reflecting the differences in climate. The lowest, covering places like Wales and Scotland, is 25°c, and the highest, covering London and parts of the East Midlands, is 28°c.

Who is most affected by a Heatwave? A heatwave can affect anyone, but some groups are affected more than others. As heatwaves become longer and hotter, it’s important that these groups are prepared for extreme heat. According to the NHS, the people most affected by heatwaves are: -Older people – especially those over 75 and female – Those who live on their own people who have illnesses such as heart or lung conditions, diabetes, and kidney disease -People who are less able to cool themselves such as young children, the bed-bound, those with drug or alcohol addictions or Alzheimer’s disease -People who are more exposed to hot temperatures such as those who live in high-rise buildings, the homeless, or those whose jobs are outside

Are Heatwaves becoming more common?

Heatwaves are extreme weather events and because of climate change, they are becoming longer and more intense. Heatwaves and periods of hot weather have increased in the UK in recent years and are only projected to get hotter and longer. By 2050, the UK will be 50 per cent more likely to experience hot summers, while heat-related deaths could triple to around 7,000 per year. You can learn more about the impact of Heatwaves in this report Feeling the Heat

How long does a Heatwave last?

A heatwave lasts a minimum of three consecutive days, though it can be much longer. The longest official heatwave in the UK was in 1976 when the heatwave threshold was met for 15 consecutive days. A heatwave can feel much longer because it usually comes within a period of dry and hot weather.

Heatwave & Heatstroke First Aid

– Heat exhaustion is not usually serious if you can cool down in 30 minutes. – It happens when someone has been in the sun or heat for a long time and loses too much fluid and salt from sweating. – Symptoms include loss of colour in skin tone, sweating, a headache, dizziness, and feeling sick. – Help the person get to a cool place to rest and get them plenty of water to drink.

See here for further guidance: First Aid for Heat Exhaustion

Heatstroke First Aid

-Heatstroke can be life-threatening if not treated quickly. -It is caused when someone becomes dangerously overheated. -Symptoms include hot or flushed skin, a headache, dizziness, confusion, or being unresponsive. -Call 999 immediately. Quickly move the person to a cool environment. -Remove outer clothing, loosely wrap them in damp clothes or sponge them with water.

See here for further guidance: First Aid for Heatstroke

Preparing for a Heatwave

Heatwaves and periods of extreme heat in the UK are becoming more common. Rises in temperature can affect many areas of your life in different ways, from your health to your day-to-day activities.
During the summer months, it’s important to make sure you are prepared for extended periods of unusually warm weather. On the main page, you can learn more about heatwaves and how to cope.

What to do in a heatwave?

When the hot weather arrives, take steps to keep yourself safe and minimise the impact on your health.
• Keep out of the heat during the hottest hours of the day. This is usually between 11 am and 3 pm. If you can’t avoid it, take breaks in the shade. •Keep yourself covered and protected when out in the sun. • Protect your eyes with sunglasses and wear light, loose clothing. Avoid looking directly at the sun to avoid permanent damage. • Keep an eye on children and animals, who are more vulnerable. • Keep yourself hydrated – you’ll need more water than usual during heatwave temperatures. • Stick to cold foods and drinks and avoid alcohol. Cool yourself down by having cold showers or washing your face. • Look out for heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Make sure you know the signs and what to do in an emergency . • Only make necessary journeys, avoid peak traffic and the hottest hours of the day. Don’t bring pets with you during very hot weather.

How to keep your House

– Use blinds, curtains, or external shutters to block out direct sunlight. A bed sheet or towel should have a similar effect. – Shut windows during the hottest parts of the day in a heatwave to keep the warm air out. – Open windows when the air feels cooler outside than inside. – Check your central heating is off, as well as lights and electrical equipment that aren’t in use. – Electric fans can help, but only if the temperature is below 35 degrees. You can cool down a room without a fan by following our other tips. – Cool down one or two rooms instead of the whole house. – Cook at cooler times of the day and avoid using the oven or hob. – Public spaces like libraries and supermarkets may be cooler than your home. – If you have concerns about an uncomfortably hot home, seek medical advice. If it’s an emergency, call 999.

How to keep Yourself cool at night

-Sleep in the lowest level of your home – heat rises. If you are on one level, move to the coolest area. – Make sure all electrical items are turned off and not in standby mode, as this still creates heat. – Have a lukewarm or cool shower before bed to bring your body temperature down slowly This will also help to cool down hot feet at night. – Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods in the evening – they increase your body temperature. – Drink a glass of cold water before bed and keep one close during the night. – Sleep with a thin sheet rather than no cover at all to help regulate your body temperature. – Choose loose-fitting clothing – tight clothes or pyjamas will trap warm air next to your body.