Ways to keep yourself cool in hot weather as heatwave warning put in place for Brits
We're right in the thick of summer now, as the country is (finally) beginning to heat up and the annual heatwave is set to hit in the next week.
It's been a long time coming, so it's time to break out the sunglasses, shorts and sliders - not forgetting the suncream on your way out - buy a tub of ice cream and prepare to feel what might be a bit too much heat.
The Met Office has predicted that we'll see highs up to 30°C in some parts of Britain next week, but almost all of us are going to experience a warmer-than-usual week ahead.
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A warning has been sent out to UK residents, with a yellow -heat-health alert being issued across the nation, everywhere except for the North East.
Coming into force at 8am on Monday, it will remain in eight regions until 5pm on Thursday afternoon.
Yellow is the lowest heat health alert, with amber and red above it, but the hot weather does put older members of the UK population at risk in particular, as the UKHSA say that they are only expecting minor impacts across the health and social care sector.
It will apply to the East Midlands, West Midlands, North West, South East, South West, Yorkshire and the Humber, East of England and London.
So be sure to get that spf 50 on in the next few days if you're in these areas.
But in the scorching heat, you might need a few ways to stay cool - and the NHS has provided a few ways for you to stay on top of being overwhelmed by the weather.
Keep out of the heat
It is advised that if you have to go outside, stay in the shade, especially between the prime hours between 11am and 3pm.
Suncream is crucial, while a hat and light clothes is advised and if you're feeling more faint, exercise or activity that could make you feel hotter should be avoided.
Cool down
The heat could dehydrate you, so it's important that you are drinking enough water, which is recommended to be between six and eight cups, though you may find yourself drinking more to replace the fluids you sweat out.
The NHS advises to avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks if you're feeling warm, with cold food and drinks a good remedy for this.
A cool shower or a cold towel to rub yourself in can help you feel better if you start to overheat.
Fans can be a life-saver
You may only need to use it for a couple of months in the year, but keeping a fan to blow cool air at you and around your living space can be a huge help, though it should be noted that fans are only really useful in temperatures below 35 degrees.
Keeping your home cool is very important, and it is recommended that you only open your windows at night, when it cools down.
Signs of heat-related illness to look for
You may need to look out for these signs over the next few days in yourself or others, in case you or they come down with heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
Some of the signs include:
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Feeling sick or being sick
- Excessive sweating and skin becoming pale/clammy or getting a heat rash
- Cramps in your stomach, arms or legs
- Fast breathing or heartbeat
- An increased body temperature
- Being very thirsty
- Overall weakness
Joshua Nair