Local residents and visitors to Sussex are being urged to stay safe in the heat this week as a further heat alert has been issued.
The Met Office has issued a four-day amber extreme heat warning, meaning vulnerable people's health could be impacted from midnight on Thursday until Sunday, with temperatures set to reach up to 35C (95F).
At the same time, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended the current heat health alert from midday Tuesday 9 August until 11pm Sunday 14 August.
NHS Sussex is warning about the health risks posed by the hot weather, as everyone is more likely to have their health affected by this week’s heat, including dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Older people, anyone with a serious or long-term illness, people who spend a lot of time outside or in hot places are at the most risk.
The public are urged to look out for family, friends and neighbours who may be more vulnerable during prolonged periods of hot weather – particularly elderly people who live alone and people with underlying health conditions.
NHS Sussex is therefore urging those who are most vulnerable to take extra care and asking people to look out for others.
The NHS is offering some simple tips to stay safe in the heat:
- Use sunscreen at least with factor 30spf if going outside
- Check medicines are stored according to the instructions on the packaging
- Stay cool indoors - close curtains on rooms that face the sun
- Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
- Try to keep out of the sun between 11 am to 3 pm
- Walk in the shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat
- Make sure you take water with you if you are travelling
A spokesperson for NHS Sussex said:
“Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it’s too hot for too long, there are health risks.
“For some people a heatwave can pose a serious risk, especially older people, children and babies and those with long-term health conditions.
“With temperatures set to continue to rise through much of the coming days, we are urging local residents and visitors to Sussex to take extra care of themselves and to check in with their loved ones to make sure they are staying safe in the heat.”
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