A Yellow Heat Health Alert continues for the South.

Tuesday, 25 June 2024 06:00

Today’s temperatures in Chichester will reach 24C – Burgess Hill up to 26C – Portsmouth 25C and Bognor 24C.

Health bosses are reminding us to stay cool and drink plenty of water.

The UK Health Security Agency says the alert indicates an increase in mortality rates impacting the over-65 age group.

While many people enjoy warmer summer weather, hot weather can cause some people to become unwell through overheating (becoming uncomfortably hot), dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm
if you are going to do a physical activity (for example exercise or walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler such as the morning or evening
keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
if you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, seek shade and apply sunscreen
drink plenty of fluids and limit your alcohol intake
check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell, and if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you

Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them

Anyone can become unwell when the weather is hot. People who are at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell include:

older people aged 65 years and over (note change from previous guidance of 75 years of age and above)
babies and young children aged 5 years and under
people with underlying health conditions particularly heart problems, breathing problems, dementia, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease, or mobility problems
people on certain medications
people with serious mental health problems
people who are already ill and dehydrated (for example from diarrhoea and vomiting)
people who experience alcohol or drug dependence
people who are physically active and spend a lot of time outside such as runners, cyclists and walkers
people who work in jobs that require manual labour or extensive time outside
people experiencing homelessness, including rough sleepers and those who are unable to make adaptations to their living accommodation such as sofa surfers or living in hostels.
people who live alone and may be unable to care for themselves

A Yellow Heat Health Alert continues for the South.

Share

More from Sussex and Hampshire News