Sefton residents are encouraged to take every measure to stay cool this week as another wave of hot weather arrives in the region.

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for extreme heat across the North West, lasting from 9am on Tuesday 11th August until 9pm on Friday 14th August.

With schools on summer break, the guidance is especially important for children who may be out of the house more than they normally would be.

Detailed information about what to do in hot weather can be found at www.sefton.gov.uk/heatwave. 

What does the amber warning mean? 

An amber warning means that there is an increased chance of people being affected by the weather conditions. 

The Met Office has warned that the hot weather - expected to hit the high 20s and even low 30s in much of Sefton - could be a health risk. 

This is especially the case for the most vulnerable, such as older people and young children. 

Severe weather could also have an impact on road, rail and air travel, with delays possible. 

Where possible, people are advised to make changes to their working and daily routines as a result. 

What should I do? 

To reduce the likelihood of feeling unwell, consider the following steps: 

• Drink plenty of fluids 

• Use sunscreen, and replenish sunscreen every 1-2 hours if you are outside more than briefly 

• Stay in the shade or under shelter wherever possible 

• Avoid exercise outdoors between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is at its strongest 

Drivers can give themselves the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road and traffic conditions. 

Those using public transport are advised to get off at the next stop to get some fresh air if they are feeling unwell.

Who should I be looking out for? 

Extreme weather can affect everyone, but it is especially important to check in on particularly vulnerable people. That includes: 

• Older people (those aged over 65) 

• Young children 

• People with cardiovascular or respiratory disease 

• Pregnant people 

• People who are homeless or with little access to cooling devices 

You can call NHS 111 if you are concerned about someone’s wellbeing (or 999 if it’s an emergency). 

The NHS has more information about heat exhaustion or heatstroke on its website. 

All Council services are expected to continue as usual, though please remember that they may also be affected by the heat.

Stay safe in the water 

If you're planning a swim to stay cool, resist the idea to swim in any open-water location.

Aside from monitored indoor spaces like swimming pools, the best option is to go to a lifeguard-attended bathing beach.

Please note that Crosby beach is not a bathing beach, and people are not advised to go into the water to swim. 

Water safety is vital, and anyone going to either the coast or an inland location must remember the following: 

• Enter the water gradually to prevent shock 

• Go somewhere that has a lifeguard or suitable equivalent present (Formby and Ainsdale beaches are two examples of locations with lifeguards present this week) 

• If you get into trouble, follow the RNLI’s Float To Live guidance by floating on your back. 

• And if you see someone in trouble, call 999 and ask for the coastguard. 

More information on water safety can be found at www.sefton.gov.uk/water-safety. 

Eclipse event

A partial solar eclipse event will take place after 7pm on the evening of Wednesday 12th August.

It is expected that many will make the trip to the Sefton Coast to view the eclipse. Before you decide to do so, consider that parking spaces are limited and traffic is likely during busy days.

If you are driving, park only in legal spaces or on Ainsdale's dedicated beach parking. Other options include Merseyrail trains (all of which stop within reasonable distance of beaches), buses and cycling or walking.

Even in the evening, the weather is still expected to be hot, so plan accordingly.