Really hot weather - what you need to know
From time to time, we experience very high temperatures in Sefton.
This can lead to Met Office Yellow, Amber and even Red alerts. These alerts mean we should take action to look after ourselves and others.
Although many people welcome warm and sunshine, , extreme heat and very high temperatures can be harmful to us and our surroundings.
Who is at risk from extreme heat?
The heat can affect anyone, but people in the following groups may be more at risk:
- older people, especially those over 75
- babies and young children
- people with a serious chronic condition, particularly dementia, heart, breathing or mobility problems
- people with serious mental health problems
- people on certain medications, including those that affect sweating and temperature control (for example, diuretics, antihistamines, beta-blockers and antipsychotics
- people who are already ill and dehydrated (for example, from gastroenteritis)
- people who misuse alcohol or drugs
- people who are physically active (for example, soldiers, athletes, hikers and manual workers)
- homeless people
During any serious weather alerts, Sefton Council and its partners will work together to keep our communities up to date with the latest information, advice and guidance to help keep you safe.
What can happen?
If weather conditions become really extreme, they can severely affect our and can, in some cases, cause death.
A Government report says that there were an estimated 2,985 excess deaths associated with 5 heat episodes during summer 2022.
Alerts
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has launched a new Heat-Health Alerting service in partnership with the Met Office.
You can use this link to check the national Health Heat Alerts.
We will use our social media pages on Twitter and Facebook to post regular updates and share messages from partners, as well as regularly updating this web page.
How can I avoid getting poorly?
Stay out of the heat, cool yourself down, keep your environment cool or find somewhere else that is cool.
Look out for neighbours, family or friends who may be isolated and unable to care for themselves; make sure they are able to keep cool during a heatwave.
Get medical advice if you are suffering from a chronic medical condition or taking multiple medications.
Make sure medicines are stored below 25°C or in the fridge (read the storage instructions on the packaging).
Carry on taking all prescribed medicines unless advised not to by a medical professional. But be aware that some prescription medicines can reduce your tolerance of heat.
Be alert and if someone is unwell or needs further help.
Signs of heat related illness
Chronic illnesses can get worse in hot weather.
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are two potentially serious conditions that can occur if you get too hot:
Heat Exhaustion is where you become very hot and start to lose water or salt from your body. Common symptoms include weakness, feeling faint, headache, muscle cramps, feeling sick, heavy sweating and intense thirst.
Heatstroke is where the body is no longer able to cool itself and a person’s body temperature becomes dangerously high. Heatstroke is less common, but more serious. Untreated symptoms include confusion, seizures and loss of consciousness
You can find out more, such as common signs and symptoms to look out for on NHS Choices.
Water warning
No matter how inviting lakes, rivers, canals or ponds may appear in this hot weather, they represent a real danger and even confident swimmers can get into difficulties very quickly.
Even with the high temperatures we’re experiencing now, these bodies of water can be extremely cold, which can bring on into shock and make swimming difficult. The Royal Life Saving Society UK says cold water shock can catch out even strong swimmers.
There may also be currents and hidden items or plants that can present a hazard to would-be bathers.
You can use this link to find out more about water safety.