With temperatures in some parts of the country set to exceed 30C between now and the weekend, people are being urged to “look out for others” and check in on vulnerable and older family, friends and neighbours who are most at risk during hot weather.
With temperatures in some parts of the country set to exceed 30C between now and the weekend, people are being urged to “look out for others” and check in on vulnerable and older family, friends and neighbours who are most at risk during hot weather.
The Local Government Association, which represents councils in England and Wales, warns that older people and those suffering from heart and respiratory problems are most at risk.
According to UKHSA and the Met Office, it will get progressively warmer as the week progresses - with the heat peaking on Sunday. Amber health alerts have been issued for all of England.
Local authorities are involved in year-round preparations for exceptional weather conditions, making sure their areas are as able to cope with high temperatures as they are with freezing temperatures or flooding.
The country has developed an extreme weather plan with local authorities, health professionals and the emergency services working together to help keep people safe.
Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, said:
“Hot weather advice might seem common sense, but local people can make a massive difference by helping us to identify other residents who may need some advice or practical help.
"No one is immune to the power of the sun. Drinking plenty of water, keeping our homes cool, avoiding direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day and using sunscreen are sensible precautions we all need to remember.
“Look out for others, especially older people, young children and babies and those with underlying health conditions as we head out to the shops or the beach for a day out takes no effort, but could be crucial in making sure they are also able to make the best of the summer."
Notes to editors
In England, during the summer of 2024, there were an estimated 1,311 heat-associated deaths across four heatwave episodes Heat mortality monitoring report, England: 2024 - GOV.UK
in 2023, there were 2,295 heat-associated deaths during five heatwave periods
Even yellow-level heat-health alerts (not the highest warning level) were associated with significant mortality