What you need to KNOW as the UK braces for hot weather, and what will help you keep cool and sleep well

Britain sizzles this week before thunder and rain puts a dampener on the weather just in time for Glastonbury.

HEATSTROKE IN U.K

Temperatures are expected to exceed 30C in parts of the UK, with the Met Office and UK Health Security Agency today issuing a joint yellow heat health alert for most of England.

Forecasters have given the strongest warnings for the East Midlands, the East, East Anglia and the South East.

Heatstroke occurs when the body’s temperature rises above its normal range of 36C to 37.5C and hits 40C. 

However the outdoor temperature doesn’t have to be that high for the risk of this to occur. 

CAUTIONS

Experts suggest caution when the thermometer hits 25C, and extreme care should be taken when it’s more than 27C. 

At 29C, there is a danger-zone where heat stroke becomes a concern. When the temperature is more than 31C, there is a high risk of heat stroke.  

Typical signs of heat stroke include sweating, a fast heartbeat, dark yellow-coloured urine and dehydration.

This is why it’s so important to seek shade and prioritise hydration, to avoid falling ill with dehydration — which can lead to other heat-related conditions. 

WHAT HEAT STROKE DOES TO THE BODY?

In just five to ten minutes, the heat strips blood away from vital organs like the brain, leading to confusion, dizziness and passing out.

And it takes only 15 minutes for the body to fully enter heat stroke and a complete loss of body function. 

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HOW TO KEEP AWAY FROM HEATSTROKE

The Met Office advises keeping out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, when it’s at its hottest and UV light is strongest, to stay cool and avoid sunburn.

Walking in the shade and wearing a wide-brimmed hat can also reduce the risk of overheating.

Taking a bottle of water and putting on sun cream when venturing outdoors will also protect against the sun’s effect.

Physical exertion should be avoided in the hottest parts of the day along with alcohol. 

During the hottest days, householders are also advised to close curtains, avoid heat-generating appliances and promote airflow through cross-ventilation and fans.

People should steer clear of sitting in a closed, parked vehicle, which can quickly overheat. And others, especially babies, children and animals, should not be left in a vehicle.

Britons are also warned against exercising in the hottest part of the day. Early in the morning is the coolest time of day for outdoor activity.