The NHS Choices Heatwave: Be Prepared website provides useful information on how to keep yourself and others safe.
Whilst many enjoy hot weather, there can be serious health consequences of too much exposure to heat and vulnerable groups are particularly at risk in hot spells.
These tips may help to prevent harm to health
Check on others - especially older people or those with health conditions who may struggle to keep cool and hydrated.
Stay hydrated – drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol. If you are travelling ensure you take water with you.
Avoid extreme physical exertion - if this can’t be avoided try to do it at cooler times of the day.
Cars – ensure babies, children, older people and animals are not left alone in cars, they can overheat very quickly.
Keep your home environment cool – this is especially important for those who need to remain at home. Shade or cover windows exposed to the sun, keep those windows closed until the day is cooler. Turn off non-essential lights or electrical equipment as they generate additional heat.
Enjoy the water safely – if you are going for a swim or entering water ensure it is safe to do so and follow local safety guidance.
Try to keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, when UV radiation is strongest, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen of at least SPF 15 and wear a hat and light, loose-fitting cotton clothes.
Look out for signs of heat related harm
If you feel dizzy, weak or have intense thirst and a headache, move to a cool place as soon as possible. Drink some water or diluted fruit juice to rehydrate.
If you have painful muscular spasms (particularly in the legs, arms, or abdomen), rest immediately in a cool place and drink electrolyte drinks. For example drinks such as coconut water, fruit juices, and smoothies to help maintain the balance. Most people should start to recover within 30 minutes and if not, you should seek medical help. Call 111 if you feel unusual symptoms, or if symptoms persist.
Call 999 if a person develops any signs of heatstroke as this is a medical emergency. Visit the NHS website for more information on heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Water safety
The advice from the RNLI is #FloattoLive.
Everyone who falls into cold water unexpectedly wants to follow the same instinct: to swim hard and fight the water. But when you fight it, the chances are, you will lose. Instead you need to stay calm, Float to Live.
Animal safety
If you are concerned about a dog left in a car on a hot day, the RSPCA offer advice: Dogs Die In Hot Cars.
If a dog appears to be in distress, call the police on 999.
The RSPCA provides further advice, Keeping Your Dog Safe in Summer.
The Met Office
The Met Office provide advice to the public through their Weather Ready campaign.
Updates from the Met Office can be found on the MET Office twitter or Met Office website.
Further information on how to beat the heat: